Copper Concentrate Prices Plunge to New Lows Amid Sulfuric Acid Price Decline
Copper concentrate spot treatment charges (TCs) have dropped further to $194.2/dmt, down by $12.95/dmt from last week's price, according to Mysteel's clean copper concentrate spot TC index as of August 21.
The decline in copper concentrate prices is due to strong smelter demand and tight mining supply, despite traders showing limited willingness to sell at fixed TCs and a preference for index-linked pricing with deductions.
Sulfuric acid profit contribution has also weakened, with China's average 98% smelting sulfuric acid price falling to Yuan 1,615/tonne on August 28 from Yuan 1,647/tonne on August 21.
The phosphate fertilizer market is characterized by strong cautious sentiment, but a modest recovery in demand performance may support sulfuric acid prices.