Geopolitical Risk Uncertainty Persisted, the Most-Traded BC Copper Contract Stabilized [SMM BC Copper Commentary]

Published: Apr 17, 2026 18:10

Today, the most-traded BC copper contract 2605 opened at 91,020 yuan/mt. At the beginning of the session, it exhibited a "W" pattern, touching a low of 90,390 yuan/mt, before the center fluctuated upward. Near the end of the session, it touched a high of 91,110 yuan/mt and ultimately closed at 91,010 yuan/mt, down 0.49%. Open interest stood at 6,792 lots, a decrease of 42 lots from the previous trading day, while trading volume reached 4,240 lots, an increase of 384 lots from the previous trading day. On the macro front, Trump claimed to have secured a commitment from Iran for over 20 years of denuclearization. The US and Iran may resume negotiations over the weekend, temporarily targeting an interim agreement, while the US military simultaneously expanded its shipping blockade against Iran. Lebanon and Israel reached a 10-day ceasefire. The US Fed reiterated that interest rate cuts require inflation to pull back to 2%, and the market expected approximately 9 basis points of interest rate cuts for the full year. Geopolitical uncertainties persisted, and copper prices maintained stable movement. Fundamentals side, on the supply end, imported copper arrivals maintained the pace of prior arrivals, while domestic copper arrivals remained relatively low. On the demand end, downstream enterprises primarily made just-in-time procurement, restocking on an as-needed basis.

SHFE copper 2605 contract closed at 102,290 yuan/mt. Based on the BC copper 2605 contract price of 91,010 yuan/mt, its after-tax price was 102,841 yuan/mt. The price spread between the SHFE copper 2605 contract and BC copper was -551 yuan/mt, showing an inversion that narrowed compared to the previous day.

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
Copper Scrap Market Sees Wild Price Swings, Affecting Industry Behavior and Trading Patterns
15 hours ago
Copper Scrap Market Sees Wild Price Swings, Affecting Industry Behavior and Trading Patterns
Read More
Copper Scrap Market Sees Wild Price Swings, Affecting Industry Behavior and Trading Patterns
Copper Scrap Market Sees Wild Price Swings, Affecting Industry Behavior and Trading Patterns
Driven by wild swings in copper prices, the copper scrap market this week operated under their dominance; the sharp fluctuations in futures and spot prices profoundly affected the mentality and behavior of all links in the industry chain, and the market exhibited typical “price-driven, tug-of-war between sellers and buyers, and pulse-like transactions” characteristics.
15 hours ago
Copper's Strategic Role in AI Era Sparks Debate on US Import Tariffs Ahead of Key Report Deadline
Jun 6, 2026 12:17
Copper's Strategic Role in AI Era Sparks Debate on US Import Tariffs Ahead of Key Report Deadline
Read More
Copper's Strategic Role in AI Era Sparks Debate on US Import Tariffs Ahead of Key Report Deadline
Copper's Strategic Role in AI Era Sparks Debate on US Import Tariffs Ahead of Key Report Deadline
Copper is an irreplaceable material for power generation and has become a strategic resource in the AI era. A critical period is now approaching: the US Department of Commerce must submit a latest copper market assessment report by June 30, recommending whether the US should impose import tariffs on copper cathode.
Jun 6, 2026 12:17
Shipping Prices Surge Due to Geopolitical Disruptions and Increased Global Demand
Jun 6, 2026 12:16
Shipping Prices Surge Due to Geopolitical Disruptions and Increased Global Demand
Read More
Shipping Prices Surge Due to Geopolitical Disruptions and Increased Global Demand
Shipping Prices Surge Due to Geopolitical Disruptions and Increased Global Demand
The current surge in shipping prices is mainly driven by rising shipping costs due to Middle East geopolitical disruptions, sustained restocking demand fueled by finer global division of labor and geopolitical risk aversion, and the concentrated release of stockpiling demand outside China, as Europe and the US kick off their H2 stock-up-in-advance cycle for the peak consumption season. The sharp increase in cargo volume has rapidly tightened the supply-demand balance for shipping capacity. However, the trend of shipping prices in H2 remains unclear.
Jun 6, 2026 12:16
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here
Geopolitical Risk Uncertainty Persisted, the Most-Traded BC Copper Contract Stabilized [SMM BC Copper Commentary] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)