[Wire and Cable Imports] According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, China's wire and cable imports in April 2026 were 12,000 mt, up 2.56% MoM and down 0.22% YoY. Cumulative wire and cable imports in 2026 were 43,000 mt, down 4.03% YoY on a cumulative basis. Among them, copper wire and cable imports were 3,900 mt, up 22.81% MoM and up 21.11% YoY. Cumulative copper wire and cable imports in 2026 were 12,000 mt, up 8.97% YoY on a cumulative basis. (Copper wire and cable HS codes: 85444921, 85444929, 85446012, 85446013, 85446014, 85446019, 85446090)

[SMM Analysis]: Copper-related Policy Shifts Across the Americas: Copper is no longer merely an industrial metal — it is rapidly emerging as a strategic resource. From mining policy reforms in Chile and Peru, to the U.S. Section 232 investigation and the strengthening of North American critical minerals strategies, copper policies across the Americas in 2025–2026 are set to exert profound influence over global copper supply-demand balances, smelting dynamics, and copper price volatility.

China Customs data showed that China imported 452,000 tonnes of unwrought copper and copper products in April 2026, with the import value reaching US$5.9428 billion. From January to April 2026, cumulative imports totaled 1.567 million tonnes, down 9.8% year on year, while the cumulative import value stood at US$20.3657 billion, up 21.4% year on year.

In March 2026, China’s refined copper imports totaled 234,600 mt, up 53.33% MoM but down 24.03% YoY. Exports stood at 58,200 mt, down 25.60% MoM and 14.40% YoY.

Hindustan Copper will build a 3 MTPA copper concentrator plant at its Malanjkhand project, aiming to scale up output and reduce India’s heavy reliance on copper imports. The project is expected to be completed within 27 months as part of a broader expansion strategy.

According to the latest data disclosed by the General Administration of Customs, China’s imported copper cathode market, while maintaining the 2025 baseline, is facing dual challenges: the continued rise in the share of EQ copper and whether global supply will continue to be diverted. China’s cumulative copper cathode imports in January-February 2026 totaled 356,900 mt, down 33.13% YoY.