China's stainless steel futures gave back ground sharply in the first trading week after the May Day holiday, as a sudden easing of Middle East tensions deflated the risk premium that had carried prices to recent highs. With the cost-side narrative unwinding and physical demand showing little follow-through, the market is searching for a new floor

On Tuesday, April 28, the International Copper Study Group (ICSG) stated in its latest monthly bulletin that the global copper cathode market posted an oversupply of 276,000 mt in February, compared with a surplus of 34,000 mt in January. Data showed that global copper cathode production totaled 2.26 million mt in February, while consumption stood at 1.98 million mt. The organization also added that for the first two months of 2026, based on China's apparent consumption (excluding bonded warehouse and unreported inventory changes), the global copper cathode supply and demand preliminarily indicated an oversupply of approximately 310,000 mt. (Wenhua Consolidated)

On April 23 (Thursday), the International Copper Study Group (ICSG) stated that the global copper cathode market is expected to shift to an oversupply of approximately 96,000 mt in 2026, reversing the previously forecast supply deficit of 150,000 mt, due to slowing demand growth and increased secondary copper production. The organization also forecast that the copper cathode surplus will widen to 377,000 mt in 2027, but warned that geopolitical risks including wars in the Middle East and shifts in trade flows could impact the market's supply-demand balance. ICSG expects global copper cathode consumption to grow 1.6% in 2026, down from the previous estimate of 2.1%, with consumption growth of 2% projected for 2027. China's copper demand is expected to grow 1.9% in 2026, while demand growth in other regions is projected at 1.3%. ICSG added that copper consumption in the EU and Japan will remain subdued, while Asia will continue to be the primary driver of global demand growth. In terms of supply, global copper cathode production is expected to increase only 0.4% in 2026, mainly constrained by limited copper concentrates supply, though increased secondary copper production will partially offset this constraint; with higher copper concentrates production and new capacity coming online, copper cathode production growth is expected to accelerate to 3% in 2027. ICSG stated that global copper ore production is expected to grow 1.6% in 2026, down from the previously forecast 2.3%, due to slower production growth in the DRC, Chile, and Indonesia, as well as operational constraints at the Grasberg and Kamoa mines following issues in 2025. The organization expects global copper ore production to grow 2.3% in 2027, supported by the gradual ramp-up of new capacity, improved production in Chile and Zambia, and higher mine utilization rates in Indonesia and the DRC. (Webstock Inc.)

Australian engineering firm Worley Ltd has been awarded the front-end engineering and design FEED contract for the RjukanLH2 project, set to be the Nordic regions inaugural liquid green hydrogen facility in Norway. Led by Norwegian Hydrogen AS, the 25-MW plant is designed to produce 10 tonnes of liquid hydrogen per day using renewable electricity and next-generation modular alkaline electrolysers to serve the maritime and industrial sectors. The agreement includes an exclusive option for EPC services, with the execution phase slated to commence in the second half of 2026 and initial fuel deliveries targeted for 2028. Logistics giant Samskip has already been secured as an off-taker for the project.

Japanese electronics maker Kyocera has entered into reciprocal power purchase agreements ('PPAs') with Cosmo Energy Holdings. Starting next month, Kyocera will supply solar power from its assets to Cosmo Energy Solutions. In exchange, Kyocera will procure electricity from the 48 MW Nakaki wind farm operated by Cosmo Eco Power. The partnership aims to diversify their renewable portfolios and explore future collaborations in battery storage. This move follows Kyocera's recent agreement with Osaki Electric and Taiwan Plastics Group to jointly develop an 'AI'-based energy management system integrating solar generation and lithium iron phosphate battery storage, targeting a final contract by the end of this year.

SMM Morning Meeting Summary: Overnight, LME copper opened at $12,264.5/mt. After testing a low of $12,282.5/mt in early trading, its center fluctuated downward, nearing the close and hitting a low of $12,079/mt, before finally closing at $12,120/mt, down 1.33. Trading volume reached 18,000 lots, open interest stood at 296,000 lots, an increase of 326 lots from the previous trading day, mainly reflecting bears adding positions overall. Overnight, the most-traded SHFE copper 2605 contract opened at 95,350 yuan/mt, tested a low of 95,900 yuan/mt in early trading, and then its center moved lower to a low of 94,950 yuan/mt, before finally closing at 95,150 yuan/mt, down 0.45. Trading volume reached 39,000 lots, open interest stood at 188,000 lots, a decrease of 2,104 lots from the previous trading day, mainly reflecting bulls reducing positions overall.