Procurement sentiment continues to decline, with weak demand dragging down spot premiums [SMM North China spot copper]

Futures rose significantly, end-use demand was sluggish, and buying was insufficient, causing the Northern China premium to retreat after a rapid rise [SMM Northern China spot copper cathode weekly review]

Sluggish Trading in Central China Market Amid Safety Inspections and Low Downstream Demand

The large Shanghai-Guangdong price spread led to cross-regional cargo transfers, pushing the spot premium in South China up passively. [SMM South China Copper Cathode Spot Weekly Review]

China's H1 2026 Zinc Alloy Trade: Strong Exports, Declining Imports