Price
News
- A Yunnan Miner’s Planned Tender Sale of Tungsten Concentrate Is Postponed
[Tungsten Ore Tender Update] SMM News on March 25: Due to specific factors, a tungsten concentrate tender sale originally scheduled for today by a miner in Yunnan will be postponed, and the specific bidding time has not yet been determined.
Mar 25, 2026 10:06 - [SMM Daily Chromium Review] Cost Support Kept Quotations Firm, and Recent Market Fluctuations Were Limited
[SMM Daily Chrome Commentary: Cost Support Kept Offers Firm, with Limited Recent Market Fluctuations] March 25, 2026: Chrome ore quotations saw no adjustment, while low- and micro-carbon ferrochrome prices were raised somewhat...
Mar 25, 2026 14:30 - Scrap Tungsten Market Saw a Slight Price Collapse, While Ore and Upstream Smelting Products Consolidated Sideways [SMM Tungsten Daily Review]
[SMM Tungsten Daily Review: Slight Price Collapse in the Scrap Tungsten Market, Ore and Upstream Smelting Products Consolidated Sideways] SMM News, March 23 In the short term, prices across the tungsten industry chain still showed divergence between primary and recycled materials. China was currently in a transition period marked by tightening supply on the raw ore side and a rising utilization rate of recycled materials. Smelters still needed some time to adjust their restocking practices and complete the adaptation and transition from a long-term contract pricing model led by the ore side to a scrap tungsten market procurement model featuring higher-frequency transactions and greater sensitivity to sentiment.
Mar 23, 2026 17:32 - Copper Cathode Rod Operating Rates Rise for 4 Weeks, Enterprises Adjust to High Demand Pressure【SMM Analysis】
The operating rate of major copper cathode rod enterprises in China stood at 81.51% last week (March 13–March 19), marking the fourth consecutive week of MoM improvement since the Chinese New Year, with industry sentiment continuing to recover. The strong rebound in the operating rate in this round was mainly driven by two factors: first, the relatively weak operating rates of secondary copper rod enterprises, coupled with the price difference between copper cathode and copper scrap remaining at a relatively low level, significantly weakened the substitution effect between copper cathode and copper scrap, leaving more market room for copper cathode rod; second, improving orders for downstream wire and cable and enamelled wire boosted a faster drawdown in enterprises' finished product inventories. As copper prices broke above low-level support, downstream procurement sentiment continued to heat up, and new orders for copper cathode rod enterprises showed a pattern of concentrated volume release. Most enterprises reported that their production pace could no longer keep up with shipment progress, and some had already begun to proactively control the pace of taking orders to ensure contract fulfillment. From the downstream industry perspective, wire and cable as well as enamelled wire enterprises also benefited from the pullback in copper prices, with operating rates steadily rebounding, further boosting demand for copper rod. Inventory side, although the pullback in copper prices boosted enterprises' willingness to restock, constrained by limited room for capacity release, enterprises did not excessively stockpile on dips and mostly maintained normal production raw material reserves. Meanwhile, due to continued downstream pick-up of goods, enterprises' capacity was unable to fully match order demand, accelerating the drawdown of finished product inventories. Enterprises Raise Processing Fees and Increase Margin Requirements to Control Risks After copper prices pulled back sharply, downstream purchase willingness increased significantly, and order concentration rose markedly. To reasonably control the pace of taking orders, some enterprises urgently raised processing fees. At the same time, affected by the increased uncertainty in the pace of cargo pick-up caused by concentrated downstream order placement, as well as the continued decline in copper prices, enterprises became more concerned about the default risk of earlier high-priced orders, and some enterprises simultaneously increased margin ratios to strengthen risk control. Looking ahead, with copper prices rising at present, downstream procurement sentiment has clearly weakened. To ensure stable deliveries, copper cathode rod enterprises are expected to maintain relatively high operating loads. Although rigid demand is gradually being fully released, against the backdrop of low finished product inventories, enterprises will still maintain high operating rates to replenish inventory. Accordingly, SMM expects the operating rate of China's copper cathode rod enterprises to fluctuate at highs in March.
Mar 25, 2026 15:22 - Sellers Show a Strong Willingness to Hold Prices Firm, While Transaction Premiums Continue to Narrow [SMM Spot Aluminum Midday Commentary]
SMM News, March 25: In early trading, SHFE aluminum 2604 fluctuated downward, but was slightly higher than the previous trading day. Overall market buying sentiment was good, and sellers held prices firm as aluminum prices remained at relatively low levels. Later in the morning, SHFE aluminum 2604 fluctuated upward, with its center running higher than the previous trading day. Some sellers still did not quote prices, while some showed a notably stronger willingness to hold prices firm. Overall market buying sentiment was good. Today’s mainstream transaction prices were concentrated around the average price of the SHFE aluminum 04 contract to a premium of 10 yuan/mt. Today, the east China market shipment sentiment index was 2.64, up 0.01 WoW; the purchasing sentiment index was 2.42, up 0.02 WoW. Today, aluminum prices stopped falling and rebounded. Affected by the fear of further declines over the previous two days, traders and downstream processing enterprises in central China showed slightly improved buying sentiment today from the previous day, but overall transactions had not yet returned to a fully active state, and buyers tended to purchase at wider discounts. Ultimately, actual transaction prices in the central China market ranged from a discount of 20 yuan to a premium of 10 yuan against the central China price. Today, the central China market shipment sentiment index was 2.64, up 0.01 WoW; the purchasing sentiment index was 2.42, up 0.02 WoW. Inventory side, aluminum ingot inventory in major consumption regions increased by 4,000 mt from the previous period today, with Guangdong being the main source of destocking. In the short term, aluminum ingot continued its post-Chinese New Year seasonal inventory buildup. Supported by bullish sentiment, premiums are expected to remain on a narrowing trend.
Mar 25, 2026 13:59 - SHFE Aluminum Edged Up After Halting Its Decline, Spot Aluminum Stabilized and Improved [SMM South China Spot Aluminum Daily Review]
SMM News, March 24: Aluminum ingot: On March 24, SMM A00 aluminum (Foshan) was reported at 23,440, up 30, at a discount of 170 against the current-month contract, narrowing by 5 (unit: yuan/mt) The SHFE aluminum 04 contract generally stabilized today. Supported by aluminum prices halting their decline and edging up slightly, the South China spot market stabilized and improved, and buyers generally showed good purchasing sentiment today. Spot prices were significantly below the monthly average price, and sellers firmly held prices firm. However, amid weekend inventory buildup and ample circulating cargo, overall support for firm prices was clearly constrained under high inventory pressure. Mainstream transaction prices in the market today were concentrated at premiums of -175 yuan/mt to -165 yuan/mt against the SHFE aluminum 04 contract.
Mar 24, 2026 18:17
Announcements
To Valued Customers Dear Customers, To fully cover the price information across all links of the tungsten industry chain, accurately reflect the spot market trends of products such as low-grade tungsten concentrate, tungsten products, photovoltaic tungsten wire busbars and tungsten scrap, and help enterprises upstream and downstream of the industrial chain keep abreast of market changes and reduce trading risks, we have decided to add 11 new tungsten industry chain - related price points after conducting sufficient market research and in-depth communication with the industry. The new price points are detailed as follows: Scheelite Concentrate (25%-30% WO₃) : Compliant with the industrial standards applicable in Henan, Guangxi and Hunan regions. It refers to scheelite concentrate with a WO₃ content ranging from 25% to 30%. Unit: RMB per ton-unit of WO₃. Scheelite Concentrate (23%-25% WO₃) : Compliant with the industrial standard YS/T 231 - 2015. It refers to scheelite concentrate with a WO₃ content ranging from 23% to 25%. Unit: RMB per ton-unit of WO₃. Ammonium Metatungstate (AMT) : Compliant with the national standard GB/T 26033 - 2010. Its technical indicators are as follows: WO₃ content ≥ 81.5%, Fe content ≤ 0.0020%, Pb content ≤ 0.0001%, and Si content ≤ 0.0015%. Unit: RMB per ton. Wire-Drawing Tungsten Bar : Compliant with the requirements of the national standard GB/T 3459 - 2022, with a tungsten (W) content ≥ 99.95%. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Steelmaking Tungsten Bar : Compliant with the requirements of the national standard GB/T 3459 - 2022, with a tungsten (W) content ≥ 99.95%. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Cut-Resistant Tungsten Wire for Photovoltaic Applications (24μm - 30μm) : With a tungsten (W) content ≥ 99.95%, a diameter ranging from 24μm to 30μm, and a tensile strength of ≥ 3500MPa. Unit: RMB per kilometer. The above - listed prices are all ex - factory pick - up prices including 13% value - added tax (VAT). Details of the 5 New Tungsten Scrap Price Points Scrap Button Bits : Compliant with the quality requirements for cemented carbide scrap specified in the national standard GB/T 21182 - 2022. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Scrap Anvils : Compliant with the quality requirements for cemented carbide scrap specified in the national standard GB/T 21182 - 2022. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Scrap Roller Rings : Compliant with the quality requirements for cemented carbide scrap specified in the national standard GB/T 21182 - 2022. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Scrap Tungsten Chips/Wires : Compliant with the requirements of the national standard GB/T 26496 - 2011 Tungsten and Tungsten Alloy Scrap . It has a tungsten content ≥ 90% and no other inclusions. Unit: RMB per kilogram. Scrap Tungsten Blocks/Sheets : Compliant with the requirements of the national standard GB/T 26496 - 2011 Tungsten and Tungsten Alloy Scrap . It has a tungsten content ≥ 90% and no other inclusions. Unit: RMB per kilogram. The five tungsten scrap prices mentioned above are all excluding VAT. Effective Date The above - mentioned new price points will be officially released starting from November 21, 2025 and updated on each working day. The launch of these new price points aims to achieve more refined classification by region and grade. All the new price points are formulated based on mainstream industrial trading specifications and terms, which have been verified through a standardized price - data collection process. They are for market reference only and do not constitute trading decision - making advice. For details on the pricing methodology and specific product specifications, please visit our official platform. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Li Jiahui from SMM Tungsten and Molybdenum Analysis at 021 - 51666882.
PriceNov 20, 2025 14:47Dear Users, To fully cover price information across all links of the molybdenum industry chain, facilitate upstream and downstream enterprises in grasping market changes, and reduce transaction risks, after thorough market research and industry communication, we hereby decide to add 7 molybdenum industry chain-related price indicators, including molybdenum concentrate (25%-40%), molybdenum oxide (57%) CIF Tianjin Port, waste molybdenum scrap, and waste molybdenum cutting wire. The newly added price indicators are as follows: Molybdenum concentrate 40%-45%: Complies with industry standard YS/T 235-2016, with a molybdenum content of 40%-45%. Unit: RMB/ton-degree (tax-inclusive). Molybdenum Concentrate 35%-40% : Complies with industry standard YS/T 235-2016, with a molybdenum content of 35%-40%. Unit: RMB/ton-degree (tax-inclusive). Molybdenum Concentrate 30%-35%: Complies with industry standard YS/T 235-2016, with a molybdenum content of 30%-35%. Unit: RMB/ton-degree (tax-inclusive). Molybdenum Concentrate 25%-30% : Complies with industry standard YS/T 235-2016, with a molybdenum content of 25%-30%. Unit: RMB/ton-degree (tax-inclusive). Note: The above 4 molybdenum concentrate price indicators are all tax-inclusive. Molybdenum Oxide (57% Mo) CIF Tianjin Port: Complies with national standard YB/T 5129-2012, with Mo ≥ 57%. Unit: USD/pound molybdenum (tax-exclusive). Waste Molybdenum Scrap: Complies with national standard GB/T 27687-2011, with Mo ≥ 99.95%, clean and free of impurities. Unit: RMB/kilogram (tax-exclusive). Waste Molybdenum Cutting Wire: Complies with national standard GB/T 27687-2011, with Mo ≥ 99.95%, clean and free of impurities. Unit: RMB/kilogram (tax-exclusive). Note: The above 3 price indicators are all tax-exclusive. Effective Date: The newly added price indicators will be officially released on December 1, 2025, and updated around 11:30 AM every working day. This addition aims to achieve more refined regional and grade classification. All new price indicators are formulated based on mainstream industry transaction specifications and trade terms, verified through standard sampling and verification processes, and are for market reference only, not constituting trading decision advice. For information on price formation methodology and detailed product specifications, please log on to the official platform. If you have any questions, please contact Li Jiahui from SMM Tungsten & Molybdenum Research Team at +86-21-51666882. SMM Tungsten & Molybdenum Industry Research TeamDecember 5, 2025
PriceDec 5, 2025 13:53Dear Valued Customers, Pursuant to the requirements of Announcement No. 10 of 2025 issued by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs (GAC) of China on February 4, 2025, Ammonium Paratungstate (APT) and Tungsten Oxide have been included in the list of export-controlled items. Export operators are required to apply for a license in accordance with the law before conducting related business. Affected by this policy, the export volume of domestic Ammonium Paratungstate (APT) and Tungsten Oxide products has dropped sharply, and the subsequent export scale will remain at a low level. Due to the significant decline in export transaction activity, the market price formation mechanism no longer has sufficient data support, and continuing to update price points can hardly reflect the real market situation. To ensure the accuracy and professionalism of our information services, after careful consideration, SMM has decided to cease updating the two price points of "APT FOB" and "Tungsten Oxide FOB" starting from October 9, 2025. During the suspension of updates, our company will continue to track the dynamic adjustments of export control policies and the changing trends of the global tungsten industry chain. If the market becomes active again and the price data becomes representative in the future, we will restart the price update service as soon as possible and announce it separately. The historical data of the above-mentioned price points that have ceased to be updated will continue to be retained in the SMM database. If you have any needs for historical data inquiry and related business consultation, please feel free to contact Liu Xiaolei at +86 15021973263 or Li Jiahui at +86 13792518717, lijiahui@smm.cn. Thank you for your understanding and support! Shanghai Metals MarketSeptember 30, 2025
PriceOct 16, 2025 16:25