August 17, 2026
Copper prices surged to a historic high today, with Yangtze spot copper reaching RMB 109,990 per ton - a single-day increase of RMB 1,840. The benchmark LME copper price also climbed to USD 14,345 per ton, up USD 185.
Key Market Data
| Market | Price | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Yangtze Spot (1# Copper) | RMB 109,990/t | ↑ RMB 1,840 |
| Guangdong Spot (1# Copper) | RMB 109,670/t | ↑ RMB 1,440 |
| LME Copper | USD 14,345/t | ↑ USD 185 |
| SHFE 2609 Contract | RMB 109,480/t | ↑ RMB 1,810 |
| Yangtze A00 Aluminum | RMB 24,070/t | ↑ RMB 200 |
What's Driving the Surge?
The current rally reflects a combination of structural and cyclical factors:
Supply constraints - Global copper mine output continues to face disruptions, with declining ore grades and limited new capacity coming online
Strong demand - Renewable energy infrastructure, power grid upgrades, and industrial automation are driving sustained consumption growth
Macro environment - Improved market sentiment and a weaker US dollar are supporting commodity prices across the board
Impact on the Cable Industry
Copper accounts for approximately 70-80% of the raw material cost in cable manufacturing. The sustained upward trend in copper prices is putting significant pressure on cable producers and downstream industries, including construction, automotive, and power equipment sectors.
For procurement professionals, this underscores the importance of forward planning, strategic sourcing, and closer coordination with suppliers to mitigate cost volatility.
About Chatnow Technology
We are a UL/CE certified cable manufacturer, offering a wide range of control cables, communication cables, fire-resistant cables, and hybrid cables for industrial and commercial applications. Our team continuously monitors raw material markets to support our customers with timely insights and responsive supply.