Copper Plate Markets Show Parallel Decline in US and China with Oversupply and Falling Demand

Copper plate prices experienced a downward trend across major markets including China and the USA in early October, recording a 0.8% decrease in the week ending October 18^th. While the drop in China was majorly because of over production and low raw material prices, the decline in USA was supported by lower freight rates and weak demand.

In China, investor skepticism about the effectiveness of recent real estate market stabilization measures has dampened construction activity expectations, directly impacting industrial metal demand. The downward pressure on copper plates has been further intensified by concurrent price depletions in other raw materials, especially iron ore. Supply-side developments have also played a crucial role in the market dynamics. Major mining companies have reported robust production figures, with Brazil's Vale SA achieving record production levels in their latest quarterly reports. Furthermore, mining giant BHP has successfully scaled its South Flank mine to full production capacity, adding to the global copper plate supply.

Reflecting the global economic pulse, the U.S. market is experiencing a downturn, as evidenced by the London Metal Exchange's reports of falling prices for metals such as copper, nickel, and zinc. This decline is in line with the negative trends in China's financial markets, which have sent shockwaves through international commodity trading. Moreover, recent non-farm payroll data have scaled back expectations for major cuts in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, leading to a strengthened U.S. dollar index. This, in turn, has negatively impacted Copper Plate prices. Concurrently, seasonal trends are influencing the U.S. Copper Plate market as with the onset of winter, trading activities are winding down, resulting in lower trade volumes and market activity. This seasonal trend is exerting additional downward pressure on Copper Plate prices domestically. In contrast, some cost alleviation has come from the logistics sector, where a notable drop in sea freight rates, especially for Trans-Pacific routes, has fallen sharply from their previous highs, providing some cushion against supply chain cost surges and contributing to the overall decrease in Copper Plate prices.

Present market trends indicate ongoing obstacles in the resurgence of demand, especially in China where the pace of restocking after holidays has lagged behind projections. Elevated stockpiles, subdued demand in subsequent stages of the supply chain, and broader economic difficulties imply that Copper Plate prices may face further stress in the immediate future. According to ChemAnalyst, the market for Copper Plates is likely to see a downward trend in pricing, given the potential for a further dip in demand across multiple sectors.