Entering 2026, the sharp decline in copper concentrate treatment charges (TCs) has caused severe losses for smelters. However, sulfuric acid, a by-product of pyrometallurgical copper smelting, has recorded significant price gains since March 2026, becoming a key profit driver for Chinese copper smel

China's production of copper semi-finished products and refined copper (electrolytic copper) both recorded on-month declines in April, new data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show.

On May 21, copper prices saw slight increases in futures and spot markets, with refined copper trading and spot premiums falling amid weak downstream demand.   China's refined copper spot inventory increased week on week as of May 21, mainly due to gradually recovering smelter shipments and sluggish

On May 20, copper prices rebounded at the London Metal Exchange (LME), but dropped in China's futures and spot markets. Strong cautious sentiment amid fluctuating prices dampened daily refined copper trading in China, with spot discounts generally persisting.     Chile's state copper commission Coch

On May 19, copper prices continued falling at the London Metal Exchange (LME), but rebounded slightly in China's futures and spot markets. In terms of inventory, recent LME copper inventory has been at record highs, while the Shanghai Futures Exchange copper inventory has returned to a relatively no