Copper Cathode Rod Output Drops Amid High Prices, Weak Demand

The copper cathode rod industry saw its operating rate decline in August due to high prices and weakening demand. According to SMM, the operating rate was 62.64%, down 4.37 percentage points from July and 5.73 percentage points from last year.

Large enterprises saw a 72.34% operating rate, medium-sized ones 47.12%, and small ones 59.92%. High copper prices suppressed downstream orders, leading to a notable decrease in new orders and some enterprises suspending production for maintenance.

The foreign trade market was relatively active, but overall exports remained low, providing limited support to the operating rate.