Global Copper Rod Prices Online

North America

In the North American market, the Copper Rod prices inched up by more than 5.4% in the final quarter of 2022 compared with the previous quarter amid concerns over the global demand outlook and hawkish remarks from US Federal Reserve officials sent the dollar higher. According to market participants, key factors which provoked Copper Rod prices to increase include deposits becoming more expensive to develop and miners focusing on quality rather than quantity. However, the supply outlook remained bleak, as the current low prices in October were insufficient to spur investment in new production. Copper prices rose in mid-Q4 as investors predicted that central banks would slow the pace of interest rate hikes. Conflicts between miners and the Peruvian communities where they worked had been a major source of contention. Peruvian miners faced more acute problems with local discontent than most other countries due to the proximity of populated areas and mines. However, smelter transactions increased in December as a result of replenishment requirements following supply issues and slow discussions of annual term contracts, which increased demand for spot cargoes. This year, Peru's road blockade around the Las Bambas mine and the country's recent political turmoil has exacerbated spot supply concerns. Thus, the discussions of Copper Rod (C110-1 inch) for Ex Alabama (USA) settled at USD 15335/MT.

Asia Pacific

Copper Rod prices increased 5.6% in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the previous quarter, owing to limited inventory and a flat downstream demand outlook. In October, China's supply of copper concentrate was becoming increasingly inadequate, and downstream enterprises were still concerned about high prices and weak terminal procurement, limiting the rise in Copper Plate even further. The new production capacity was delivered in November, but the supply pressure delivery rate was slower due to maintenance and equipment transformation disruptions. The market's inventory remained low, which pushed up the price. Furthermore, the LME denied imposing delivery restrictions on Russian metal, so the risk of a market-position squeeze was reduced. After China's pandemic control measures were relaxed, market participants became increasingly concerned about the demand outlook. As the New Year approached, consumption was squeezing, and an increase in COVID-19 lockdowns had cut downstream companies' operating rates in half, squeezing demand. Thus, the Copper Rod (20 mm) prices for FOB Shanghai (China) settled at USD 6218/MT.

Europe

Copper rod prices in the German market rose in the fourth quarter of 2022 due to a combination of factors, including movement in the US dollar, China's zero-covid policies, persistent supply-side issues, and an uncertain macroeconomic outlook amid rising inflation and central bank interest rates. The supply outlook remained bleak, as current low prices were insufficient to spur investment in new manufacturing. Buyers claimed that if LME restricted Russian-produced metal, then Copper Rod prices would skyrocket in the global market. The LME, on the other hand, denied that Russian-produced metals were subject to any restrictions. Throughout October, market volatility remained a risk, and Copper Plate prices traded in a narrow range. Fears of a global recession, coupled with the global central bank's aggressive monetary policy, weighed on prices even more in November. Furthermore, global copper stocks fell to record lows in mid-Q4, with inventories only sufficient to meet global demand for a few days and shortage risks that do not reflect physical market tightness. This year's series of planned and unplanned smelter shutdowns in South America and Europe compounded the impact of increased supply on treatment charges. As a ripple effect, the Copper Rod (25 mm) prices for Ex Berleburg (Germany) settled at USD 10520/MT.

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