[SMM Flash News] China’s copper scrap import sources showed clear characteristics of “one dominant player with many strong suppliers, and diversified sources.” Japan, Thailand, and Spain have long ranked among the top three, with their core supplier positions remaining solid. Japan: exports to China were 31,200 mt in January, accounting for 13.43%, up 104.94% YoY; exports were 26,600 mt in February, with the share rising to 15.81%, still up 13.93% YoY. Although both months declined MoM, its core supplier position remained unshaken.

According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, China imported 232,300 mt in physical content of copper scrap and shredded copper scrap in January 2026, down 2.78% MoM and up 22.82% YoY. Imports were 167,900 mt in physical content in February, down 27.72% MoM and down 13.14% YoY. Cumulative imports in January-February 2026 reached 400,300 mt in physical content, up 4.64% YoY on a cumulative basis. (HS code: 74040000)

SMM Morning Meeting Minutes: On Friday night last week, LME copper opened at $12,871.5/mt. After fluctuating rangebound in early trading, it dipped to $12,805.5/mt, then the center rose to a high of $12,927.5/mt, and finally closed at $12,869/mt, up 0.08%. Trading volume fell by 3,517 lots from the previous trading day to 24,000 lots; open interest increased by 2,377 lots from the previous trading day to 308,000 lots, mainly reflecting bulls adding positions overall. On Friday night last week, the most-traded SHFE copper 2604 contract opened at 100,250 yuan/mt. It bottomed at 100,180 yuan/mt in early trading, then the center rose to a high of 100,820 yuan/mt, and finally closed at 100,250 yuan/mt while fluctuating rangebound, down 0.53%. Trading volume fell by 58,000 lots from the previous trading day to 69,000 lots; open interest increased by 1,229 lots from the previous trading day to 197,000 lots, mainly reflecting bears adding positions overall.

SMM Analysis: In 2025, China's smelting and refining capacity grew, while the TC for copper concentrates continued to deteriorate. Against this backdrop, smelters were compelled to adjust their raw material mix, with copper scrap, blister copper, and anode plates becoming key substitutes and supplements...

At the 2025 SMM (2nd) Global Renewable Metal Industry Chain Summit - Main Forum hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., Allen Cui, Director of SMM Nonferrous Consulting, shared insights on the topic of "Prospects for the Development of the Global Secondary Metal Industry."

SMM Analysis: In May 2025, blister copper RCs in south China were quoted at 600-800 yuan/mt, with an average of 700 yuan/mt, down 350 yuan/mt MoM. Blister copper RCs in north China were quoted at 650-850 yuan/mt, with an average of 750 yuan/mt, down 100 yuan/mt MoM...

[SMM Analysis: Limited Upside Potential for Copper Anode RCs Amidst Tight Supply, Short-Term Market Structure Unlikely to Change] In May 2025, domestic blister copper RCs in south China were quoted at 600-800 yuan/mt, with an average price of 700 yuan/mt, down 350 yuan/mt MoM. Domestic blister copper RCs in north China were quoted at 650-850 yuan/mt, with an average price of 750 yuan/mt, down 100 yuan/mt MoM...

[SMM Analysis: Deep B's performance is not enough, while transition to C is not yet complete] SMM believes that the backwardation structure of SHFE will weaken in the future market. The premise of our following discussion is based on the existing tariff levels in the US.

The latest data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC) indicate that in April 2025, China's imports of copper scrap and shredded copper scrap showed a trend of "MoM recovery but YoY contraction", with monthly imports reaching 204,700 mt, up 7.92% MoM but down 9.46% YoY. From January to April, cumulative imports totaled 777,000 mt, a slight decrease of 0.81% YoY (HS code 74040000).

The latest data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC) indicate that in April 2025, China's imports of copper scrap and shredded copper scrap showed a trend of "MoM recovery but YoY contraction", with monthly imports reaching 204,700 mt, up 7.92% MoM but down 9.46% YoY. From January to April, cumulative imports totaled 777,000 mt, a slight decrease of 0.81% YoY (HS code 74040000).