This week, ferrous metals moved sideways and upward. During the week, as US-Iran negotiations made no progress and the Strait of Hormuz remained closed, combined with declining US crude oil inventories, Brent crude oil surged sharply, driving coking coal higher. Although BHP port spot cargoes were available for purchase, which was bearish for market sentiment, futures had already priced in related expectations earlier, so iron ore pullback was limited and cost support was relatively neutral. The Politburo meeting held mid-week had low direct correlation with ferrous metals, and ferrous metals fluctuated at highs during the week. Spot market side, end-users restocked at low prices before the holiday, and as futures rose in the latter half of the week, speculative demand was also released...
Apr 30, 2026 18:20[SHFE/LME zinc price ratio rebounded to around 7.1 and oscillated]: This week, the SHFE/LME zinc price ratio rebounded to around 7.1 and oscillated, with the zinc ingot import window remaining closed. Outside China, increased uncertainty over the US-Iran conflict triggered inflation concerns, the US dollar index strengthened, and growing concerns over economic growth weighed on non-ferrous metals, which remained in the doldrums. LME inventory edged up, and LME zinc declined.
Apr 30, 2026 15:59The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 30 Apr , 2026
Apr 30, 2026 15:54SMM April 30: Metals market: As of the midday close, domestic base metals mostly fell, with SHFE copper edging up slightly. SHFE aluminum fell 0.41%, SHFE lead fell 0.66%, SHFE zinc fell 0.8%, SHFE tin rose 0.44%, and SHFE nickel edged down 0.02%. In addition, the most-traded casting aluminum futures fell 0.3%, and the most-traded alumina contract fell 0.11%. The most-traded lithium carbonate contract rose 2.52%. The most-traded silicon metal contract fell 0.46%. The most-traded polysilicon futures fell 0.97%. Ferrous metals all rose, with iron ore up 0.89%, rebar up 0.69%, hot-rolled coil up 0.77%, and stainless steel up 1.43%. Coking coal and coke: the most-traded coking coal contract rose 1.42%, and the most-traded coke contract rose 0.66%. Overseas base metals, as of 11:40, LME metals mostly rose. LME copper rose 0.42%, LME aluminum fell 0.32%, LME lead rose 0.26%, LME zinc fell 0.09%, LME tin rose 0.97%, and LME nickel rose 0.86%. Precious metals, as of 11:40, COMEX gold rose 0.28% and COMEX silver rose 0.79%. Domestic precious metals: the most-traded SHFE gold contract fell 0.29%, and the most-traded SHFE silver contract fell 0.29%. In addition, as of the midday close, the most-traded platinum futures fell 0.81%, and the most-traded palladium futures rose 0.89%. As of the midday close, the most-traded Europe containerized freight index contract rose 1.52% to 2,296.2 points. As of 11:40 on April 30, midday futures quotes for selected contracts: Spot and Fundamentals Copper: Today, Guangdong #1 copper cathode spot prices against the front-month contract: high-quality copper was quoted at a premium of 320 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day; standard-quality copper was quoted at a premium of 240 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day; SX-EW copper was quoted at a premium of 180 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day. The average price of Guangdong #1 copper cathode was 101,575 yuan/mt, up 35 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; the average price of SX-EW copper was 101,475 yuan/mt, up 35 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot market: Guangdong inventory saw a significant decline today... Macro Front China: [NBS: April Manufacturing PMI at 50.3%, China's Overall Economic Output Remained in Expansion Territory] The NBS Survey Center for Services and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing released China's April PMI today. The manufacturing PMI continued to operate in expansion territory after rebounding into expansion territory in March, indicating that the overall manufacturing prosperity level remained stable and the manufacturing sector maintained a sound operating trend. In April, China's manufacturing PMI stood at 50.3%, down 0.1 percentage point MoM, remaining in expansion territory for the second consecutive month. [PBOC reverse repo operations achieved net injection of 125.7 billion yuan for the day and net withdrawal of 197.9 billion yuan for the week] The PBOC conducted 126.2 billion yuan of 7-day reverse repo operations today. As 500 million yuan of 7-day reverse repos matured today, the net injection for the day was 125.7 billion yuan. This week, the PBOC conducted a total of 414.1 billion yuan of 7-day reverse repo operations. As a total of 600 billion yuan of 1-year MLF and 12 billion yuan of reverse repos matured this week, the net withdrawal for the week was 197.9 billion yuan. (Jin10 Data) US dollar: As of 11:40, the US dollar index rose 0.03% to 98.98. The US Fed kept interest rates unchanged as expected, with notable internal divisions emerging. Fed Chairman Powell stated at the press conference that although someone voted against maintaining the dovish language in the statement at the most recent monetary policy meeting, he believed officials were not inclined to raise rates. Powell said: "People are not saying we need to raise rates now; it's more of a discussion about whether the Fed should adopt a neutral stance on the policy outlook." Fed Chairman Powell stated at the press conference that monetary policy may be in a range that is neutral in its impact on the economy. He said: "I think we are very close to the neutral rate, which is probably in the range of 3% to 4%, and the current federal funds target rate range is 3.5% to 3.75%." He added: "If we need to raise rates, we will signal and raise them, and vice versa." Fed Chairman Powell said Wednesday that continuing to serve as a governor after his chairmanship ends is to help stabilize the Fed before political pressure subsides. Powell said at the press conference: "As long as I feel it is appropriate to stay, I will stay." He added: "I don't want to be some kind of high-profile dissenter or anything like that." US President Trump said: "Mr. Too Late" Powell wants to stay at the Fed because he can't find a job anywhere else — nobody wants him. US Treasury Secretary Bessent stated that outgoing Fed Chairman Powell remaining as a Fed governor would be extraordinary. For someone who has always emphasized norms, his unilateral decision runs counter to tradition. Kevin Warsh will bring a new chapter to the US Fed with a clear accountability system, effective governance mechanisms, and sound policymaking. According to the CME "FedWatch": the probability of the US Fed maintaining rates unchanged through June was 99%, with a 1% probability of a cumulative 25 basis point cut. The probability of maintaining rates unchanged through July was 99%, with a 1% probability of a cumulative 25 basis point cut. The probability of maintaining rates unchanged through September was 98.8%, with a 1.2% probability of a cumulative 25 basis point cut. (Jin10 Data) A CITIC Securities research report maintained its previous view, expecting one 25bps interest rate cut in H2 under the baseline scenario after Warsh assumes the chairmanship. We believe close attention should be paid to speeches by the 12 sitting voting members going forward, as the US Fed's monetary policy path will depend more on the vote balance among FOMC members, while the guiding role of the Fed Chairman's personal remarks on markets has diminished compared to the past. A CICC research report stated that from a fundamental theoretical perspective, the US Fed should still and needs to cut interest rates approximately twice, which is one reason we are more optimistic than the market on rate cuts. As long as oil prices do not stay persistently above $100 through year-end, the high base effect driving inflation to pull back can provide room for the US Fed to cut interest rates. However, in practice, this will require cooperation from oil prices and Trump. The stalemate over the Iran situation keeping oil prices staying high, and Powell's reluctance to fully step back due to concerns over the investigation causing divisions within the US Fed, are not problems Warsh can single-handedly resolve after taking over in June. The key lies with Trump — if a compromise is reached swiftly and the investigation into Powell is conclusively ended, the prospects for interest rate cuts will gradually open up. On the data front: Data to be released today include: France Q1 GDP year-on-year preliminary, France April CPI month-on-month preliminary, Switzerland April KOF Leading Economic Indicator, Germany April seasonally adjusted unemployment change, Germany April seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, Germany Q1 non-seasonally adjusted GDP year-on-year preliminary, Eurozone April CPI year-on-year preliminary, Eurozone April CPI month-on-month preliminary, Eurozone Q1 GDP year-on-year preliminary, Eurozone March unemployment rate, UK Bank of England interest rate decision as of April 30, Eurozone ECB deposit facility rate as of April 30, Eurozone ECB main refinancing rate as of April 30, US initial jobless claims for the week ending April 25, US March core PCE price index year-on-year, US March personal spending month-on-month, US Q1 Employment Cost Index quarter-on-quarter, US Q1 real GDP annualized quarter-on-quarter preliminary, US Q1 real personal consumption expenditure quarter-on-quarter preliminary, US Q1 core PCE price index annualized quarter-on-quarter preliminary, US March core PCE price index month-on-month, and US April Chicago PMI. Also worth watching: the US Fed FOMC interest rate decision; Fed Chairman Powell's monetary policy press conference; Google's earnings call; earnings calls from Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta; Samsung Electronics' earnings call; the Bank of England's interest rate decision, meeting minutes, and monetary policy report; Bank of England Governor Bailey's monetary policy press conference; the ECB's interest rate decision; ECB President Lagarde's monetary policy press conference. Notably, the Shanghai Gold Exchange, SHFE, Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange, and DCE had no night session trading on April 30 ahead of Labour Day holiday. Crude oil: As of 11:40, oil prices in both markets continued the previous trading day's rally, with WTI up 1.96% and Brent up 2.16%. The Strait of Hormuz standoff is pushing the oil market from a short-term shock toward lasting repricing. Brent crude rose for consecutive sessions as Trump insisted on a maritime "blockade" against Iran. Traders' optimism that a three-week ceasefire could restore Gulf energy flows was fading. (Wallstreetcn) Bloomberg reported on the 29th that, according to a senior White House official, the US government was seeking to "seize" two Iran-linked oil tankers recently intercepted by the US Navy. The official said the DOJ had initiated "seizure" proceedings but did not elaborate on what the process entailed, nor whether it indicated the US planned to "seize" the crude oil aboard. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity citing "operational security," declined to disclose how the vessels would ultimately be handled or comment on their current routes. According to the US Department of Defense, the US Navy intercepted and boarded two tankers "transporting oil from Iran" in the Indian Ocean on the 20th and 22nd respectively. The two tankers continued sailing in the Indian Ocean over the following days and appeared to have changed course multiple times. (Xinhua) (Jin10 Data APP) Spot market overview: ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ►
Apr 30, 2026 14:16Against the backdrop of global sustainable development, the recycled metal industry is gaining importance. As the conflict between resource shortages and growing demand intensifies, countries are increasing policy and technology investment in this sector to promote a green economy. Japan, as a key recycled resource hub in Asia, possesses advanced technologies (such as aluminum dross processing) and closed-loop recycling models, and plans to expand the scale of e-waste recycling. However, its domestic capacity to absorb secondary aluminum is limited, necessitating expansion into markets outside China; secondary copper capacity is also expanding simultaneously. Sino-US trade issues have also highlighted the necessity of supply chain stability. Against this backdrop, with the theme "Voice of Low Carbon, Global Resonance," the will be held in Tokyo, Japan, on May 11–12, 2026. At this conference, will participate as an attending company, with Chairman Javier Riba Mas and Asia Manager Jose Maria Lozoya Fontanals in attendance. Global sustainability highlights the importance of the recycled metal sector. With resource shortages intensifying, countries (notably Japan, Asia's recycling hub) are advancing tech and policies. Japan aims to expand e-waste recycling but needs markets outside China for secondary aluminum; secondary copper output is also growing. Sino-US trade tensions further emphasize supply chain stability. 2026 SMM (3rd) Global Renewable Metal Industry Chain Summit (Theme: Voice of Low Carbon, Global Resonance ) is scheduled for May 11–12, 2026 , in Tokyo, Japan . At this conference, RIBA FARRE will attend, with Chairman Javier Riba Mas and Asia Manager Jose Maria Lozoya Fontanals in attendance. Your Trusted Global Partner in Non-Ferrous Metals Processor with more than 85 years experience Your Trusted Global Partner with Over 85 Years of Expertise in Non-Ferrous Metal Processing Comercial Riba Farré was established in 1940 and has long been deeply engaged in the non-ferrous metal recycling sector. Leveraging profound industry experience , the enterprise has firmly established itself in the Spanish domestic market while fully expanding into global markets. Drawing on years of accumulated expertise, we rigorously benchmark against London Metal Exchange quotations daily, updating purchase and sale prices in real time. Riba Farré firmly believes that long-term, sustainable business operations never rely on short-term arbitrage transactions, but rather on a solid corporate structure and persistent, dedicated operations. Our current industry standing is a powerful testament to this philosophy. Comercial Riba Farré se creó en 1940 y desde entonces ha desarrollado su actividad en el sector del reciclaje de metales no férricos. Nuestra EXPERIENCIA nos ha permitido consolidarnos dentro del mercado español y los mercados internacionales. Es la misma experiencia que nos permite garantizar la máxima actualización diaria de los precios de compra y venta de material según la Bolsa de Londres. En Riba Farré estamos convencidos que un NEGOCIO próspero no se basa en transacciones rápidas que ofrezcan beneficios inmediatos, sino en una estructura sólida y en el trabajo constante a lo largo de los años. Y nuestra posición actual confirma esa convicción. The outstanding development of an enterprise is inseparable from a professional, efficient, and motivated core team . The company continuously conducts skills training and implements people-oriented management to constantly enhance the team's overall capabilities. Meanwhile, it is equipped with industry-leading production equipment to fully ensure refined processing and sorting of non-ferrous metals. We consistently introduce cutting-edge intelligent equipment to achieve efficient operations with state-of-the-art capacity. Gran parte de este éxito se debe a la alta calificación, y a la motivación de nuestro EQUIPO . Dos aspectos que Riba Farré potencia cada día mediante la formación continua y el trato personalizado. Nuestro equipo está además plenamente respaldado por la mejor MAQUINARIA para el tratamiento y la clasificación de metales no férricos. Creemos que la máxima eficacia solo se consigue incorporando las máquinas más innovadoras en cada momento. In addition to the core metal recycling business, the group operates the RAEECICLA dedicated division, which specializes in the recycling and processing of e-waste and used electrical appliances. También, a parte de Riba Farré, contamos con RAEECICLA, la división de residuos informáticos y electrónicos. Main Products Productos principales Copper, aluminum, brass, lead, zinc Stainless steel, bronze, nickel, tin Cobre, aluminio, latón, plomo, zinc Acero inoxidable, bronce, níquel, estaño Our Advantages Nuestras ventajas Stable and controllable quality with fully standardized processing Flexible allocation tailored to various supply needs Long-term stable cooperation building reliable partnerships Global presence: Spain, Colombia, China, and India Calidad estable y controlada, procesamiento estandarizado en todo el ciclo. Suministro flexible adaptado a todo tipo de necesidades. Cooperación estable a largo plazo y alianzas comerciales fiables. Presencia global: España, Colombia, China e India. Key Reasons to Choose Riba Farré Por qué elegir Riba Farré Over 80 years of deep industry expertise Extensive global presence across international markets A hands-on producer, not merely a trade intermediary Committed to sustainable circular development Más de 80 años de experiencia consolidada en el sector. Fuerte presencia y expansión en mercados internacionales. Procesador industrial, no solo intermediario comercial. Compromiso firme con la economía circular y la sostenibilidad. Contact Information Contacto +34 932 643 630 INFO@RIBAFARRE.COM SMM Conference Contact Zhang Xiaoyao Mobile: +86 15729506965 Email:
Apr 30, 2026 10:07SMM Morning Meeting Summary: Overnight, LME copper opened at $13,073.5/mt, fluctuated upward to a high of $13,098/mt in early trading, then the copper price center gradually declined to $12,967/mt, and finally closed at $12,989/mt, down 0.35%, with trading volume at 19,400 lots and open interest at 276,000 lots, an increase of 42 lots from the previous trading day, indicating bears adding positions. Overnight, the most-traded SHFE copper 2606 contract opened at 101,190 yuan/mt, rose to 101,390 yuan/mt in early trading, then fluctuated downward throughout the session to a low of 100,790 yuan/mt near the close, and finally closed at 100,820 yuan/mt, down 0.43%, with trading volume at 37,700 lots and open interest at 195,000 lots, a decrease of 896 lots from the previous trading day, indicating bulls reducing positions.
Apr 30, 2026 09:04Announcement on Adding New Price Points for Platinum Group Compounds
PriceApr 2, 2026 17:24COMEX Inventory Data Date Adjustment
DataFeb 4, 2026 15:26Dear Useres, With the deep reshaping of the new energy industry chain, the strategic position of sulphur, a traditional bulk raw material, is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Historically, price fluctuations in sulphur-sulphuric acid primarily affected traditional industries such as phosphate fertilisers and titanium dioxide. However, as lithium iron phosphate (LFP) has become the mainstream cathode material for power batteries, the production of its core precursor, iron phosphate, heavily relies on high-purity phosphoric acid, which in turn uses sulphuric acid as its raw material. This enables price fluctuations in the sulphur-sulphuric acid chain to be directly and rapidly transmitted to the cost of LFP. Similarly, in areas such as nickel-cobalt smelting and precursor preparation, sulphuric acid is a key auxiliary material, and its price directly impacts the cost of products like battery-grade nickel sulphate and cobalt sulphate. The emergence of new demands: Sulphur itself, as a key sulphur source for lithium sulphide and sulphide solid-state electrolytes (such as LPSC), is seeing its material purity and supply stability begin to attract attention from cutting-edge battery technology R&D. As an authoritative information institution long dedicated to the non-ferrous metals and new energy materials sectors, SMM, after a period of consolidation and market surveys, plans to introduce new sulphur price points starting December 12, aiming to provide the market with more precise pricing anchors and price references. The specific new price points are as follows: Sulphur: Solid, Sulphur (S) content ≥99.0%, Price Description: Ex-factory price (buyer's self pick-up price), including 13% VAT. SMM New Energy Research Team December 04, 2025 Sulphur Price
PriceDec 15, 2025 10:18

