Holiday Disruptions Led to Significant Pullback in Operating Rates of Copper Enamelled Wire Industry

According to the latest report, the total production schedule for China's household air conditioners in May 2026 was 21.977 million units, down 11.7% YoY; of which household air conditioners had a production schedule of 20.355 million units, down 11.9% YoY; dehumidifiers had a production schedule of 745,000 units, down 12.9% YoY; and household central air conditioners had a production schedule of 877,000 units, down 6.0% YoY.

According to SMM, new orders in the copper plate/sheet and strip industry have declined recently. However, as previously received orders remain sufficient, current production schedules of copper plate/sheet and strip enterprises are full, and the industry operating rate stays high.

According to SMM, demand from end-use sectors such as new energy and power transformers currently remains robust; demand from traditional industries including industrial motors, home appliances, and two-wheelers showed mediocre performance, with the cooling industry experiencing a particularly notable pullback in demand, significantly dragging down the enamelled wire industry. Coupled with copper prices fluctuating at highs and the traditional off-season for the industry approaching, the operating rate of the enamelled wire industry is expected to continue its contracting trend going forward.