Copper Prices Pulled Back, Shifting the Trading Range Lower and Stimulating Downstream Restocking Enthusiasm

Published: Mar 18, 2026 14:37

Save

During the day, the SHFE copper 2604 contract declined somewhat, with its trading range shifting lower to around 98,100-98,500 yuan/mt. According to SMM communications, after the center of copper prices moved lower, market buying interest recovered markedly. Downstream processing enterprises reported that order volumes from end-users had risen recently, and they were actively replenishing raw material inventory amid the pullback in copper prices. At the same time, upstream smelters also reported strong buying sentiment in the spot market, with relatively active downstream procurement and smooth overall transactions. This round of pullback in copper prices stimulated previously suppressed restocking demand, and downstream enterprises showed strong willingness to buy the dip.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

1 hour ago

Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 18)

The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 18 Mar , 2026

1 hour ago

Rio Tinto Gains Control of Arizona Acreage for Resolution Copper Mine Despite Native American Opposition

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) said on Monday it has gained control of acreage in Arizona needed to build the Resolution Copper mine, a project slated to become one of the largest US sources of the critical mineral but one that Native Americans have opposed for more than 20 years.

1 hour ago

Codelco Reports Significant Drop in Copper Production, Raising Doubts Over 2025 Output Claims

Chile’s state-owned copper giant Codelco has reported a sharp drop in production to start this year, leading copper industry analysts and former Codelco executives to question its reports of surging output at the end of 2025 that helped the company meet its annual production target.

1 hour ago