Core Viewpoint - Bernstein's commodity analysts argue against the implementation of a proposed 50% tariff on copper imports, labeling it as illogical and potentially destructive [1][2]. Group 1: Tariff Implications - The proposed 50% tariff on approximately 900,000 tons of copper, priced at $10,000 per ton, would result in an additional cost of $4.5 billion [2]. - The policy is expected to increase costs for U.S. manufacturers without incentivizing rational economic behavior [2]. - Bernstein highlights that the U.S. has only two major smelting plants, and building a new smelting facility typically takes five years and costs $6 billion, making it unlikely for domestic smelters to expand capacity due to tariffs [2]. Group 2: Trade Relationships - Bernstein suggests that imposing a 50% tariff on other countries while exempting friendly trade partners like Chile, Canada, and Peru could resolve the issue [3]. - The global smelting industry is currently facing severe economic challenges, with processing/refining fees being negative [2]. - Bernstein anticipates that logic will prevail in trade discussions, allowing for some leeway for friendly trade partners [2].

Group 1 - The overall lead price has shown a trend of rising and then falling this year, primarily due to the seasonal transition between peak and off-peak demand periods [2] - Strong downstream demand during the lead-acid battery replacement peak season around the Spring Festival has supported lead prices, alongside fluctuating US tariff policies and environmental production restrictions [2] - After April, macroeconomic factors, including unexpected US tariff policies, have dampened market confidence, leading to a decline in lead prices as downstream demand enters the off-peak season [2] Group 2 - The recent downtrend in the US dollar is beneficial for the non-ferrous metal sector, as historical data indicates that metal prices tend to rise during dollar down cycles [3] - The current US government's policies, including repeated tariff changes and challenges to the Federal Reserve's independence, are increasing economic uncertainty and reducing international confidence in the dollar [3] Group 3 - Limited production capacity for primary lead is expected due to reduced overseas mining output from various mines affected by weather and operational delays [4][6] - Domestic lead concentrate production has increased significantly due to high profit margins, but the overall supply may not meet smelting demands in the medium term [6] Group 4 - The supply of recycled lead is expected to recover as seasonal demand for waste batteries increases, although supply shortages may persist due to seasonal fluctuations [7][9] - The production of recycled lead may face limitations from raw material supply constraints and environmental production restrictions, leading to a potential decrease in supply in the medium term [9] Group 5 - Demand for lead is expected to return seasonally, supported by policies promoting the replacement of old batteries, which have positively impacted sales in the automotive and electric bicycle sectors [11] - Despite a potential decline in exports due to domestic raw material supply limitations, domestic demand for lead-acid batteries is anticipated to remain strong [11] Group 6 - In the medium to long term, the balance of supply and demand for lead ingots is expected to tighten, which may support an upward trend in lead prices, aided by the opening of import channels to alleviate domestic supply constraints [14]

Group 1 - In June 2025, China's nickel pig iron production was 23,300 tons, with a month-on-month decrease of 2.87% and a year-on-year decrease of 7.35% [2] - The production of medium and high nickel pig iron was 16,700 tons, down 4.17% month-on-month and down 13.51% year-on-year, while low nickel pig iron production increased by 0.53% month-on-month to 6,700 tons, up 12.68% year-on-year [2] - From January to June 2025, China's total nickel pig iron production was 138,000 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 5.06%, with medium and high nickel pig iron accounting for 100,900 tons, down 9.04% year-on-year [2] Group 2 - In June 2025, the combined nickel pig iron production from China and Indonesia was 174,700 tons, reflecting a month-on-month decrease of 3.85% but a year-on-year increase of 22.21% [5] - The medium and high nickel pig iron production from both countries was 168,100 tons, down 4.01% month-on-month but up 22.62% year-on-year [5] - From January to June 2025, the total nickel pig iron production from China and Indonesia reached 1,040,700 tons, a year-on-year increase of 19.31%, with medium and high nickel pig iron production at 1,003,600 tons, up 20.27% year-on-year [5] Group 3 - As of June 30, 2025, Indonesia's nickel pig iron production was 151,400 tons, down 3.99% month-on-month but up 28.52% year-on-year [6] - From January to June 2025, Indonesia's total nickel pig iron production was 902,700 tons, a year-on-year increase of 24.77% [6] Group 4 - In Indonesia, the phenomenon of cost inversion among mainstream smelting plants has become common, with some production lines halting operations due to high cost pressures [8] - The production enthusiasm among smelting plants is low due to declining finished product prices, and some production lines may consider maintenance due to weak demand from downstream stainless steel [8] - It is expected that Indonesia's nickel pig iron production may further weaken in July due to ongoing high costs and reduced production capacity [8]

Group 1 - The U.S. President Trump announced a 50% import tariff on all copper imports, catching Chile, the largest copper producer, off guard [1][2] - Chile's state-owned copper company, Codelco, is seeking clarification on which copper products are affected and whether the tariff applies to all countries [1] - Following the announcement, U.S. COMEX copper prices surged over 12%, reaching a record high [1] Group 2 - SONAMI President Jorge Riesco warned that the tariffs could lead to market uncertainty and price volatility, potentially impacting Chile and other suppliers [2] - Riesco noted that U.S. companies might stockpile copper ahead of the tariffs, which could temporarily inflate prices, but cautioned that the U.S. may struggle to expand its own supply [2]

Group 1 - Ivanhoe Mines reported a significant year-on-year increase of 11% in copper production at its Kamoa-Kakula mine, reaching 112,009 tons in Q2 [1] - Despite operational disruptions earlier this year due to an earthquake, production growth was achieved, and the company has lowered its 2025 production guidance by nearly 30% to between 370,000 and 420,000 tons [1] - The company has initiated mining in the low-grade Kakula West area, producing ore with a copper content of 3%-4%, and is implementing a two-phase drainage plan to access the flooded eastern region [1] Group 2 - The high-grade mining area in Kakula West, with a copper content of approximately 5%, is expected to resume operations by the end of the year [2] - Kamoa-Kakula is preparing to enhance its annual production capacity to 500,000 tons of copper concentrate by September, with the first production expected in October [2] - The Kamoa-Kakula mining area is one of the largest copper mines globally and is crucial for global supply amid increasing demand for energy transition metals [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint indicates that the tin market is experiencing a downturn due to weak supply and demand dynamics, with prices falling by 2.03% to 263,520 yuan/ton [1] - Tin ore supply remains tight, with smelter operating rates at low levels, and downstream demand entering a seasonal lull, leading to cautious procurement by enterprises and a sluggish spot market [1] - Domestic social inventory continues to rise, putting pressure on tin prices, while the operating rate of refined tin smelting enterprises in Yunnan and Jiangxi has slightly increased to 53.97% [1] Group 2 - Downstream demand is weak, particularly in the photovoltaic and electronics sectors, with a decline in orders and production rates in East China and South China [2] - The high tin prices are suppressing downstream purchasing, with companies primarily maintaining just-in-time procurement [2] - Despite the weak demand, there is no significant pressure on the supply side, as tin ore supply shortages persist and smelter production is declining, leading to a potential high-level fluctuation in tin prices [2]

Core Viewpoint - The copper market experienced significant fluctuations in the first half of the year, primarily driven by U.S. tariff policies, which created both upward and downward pressures on copper prices [1] Group 1: Market Phases - **Phase 1 (Early January to Late March)**: Initial strength in copper prices was attributed to expectations of U.S. tariffs on imported copper, leading to a peak price of 83,000 yuan, the highest in over a year [3] - **Phase 2 (Late March to Early April)**: The implementation of unexpected reciprocal tariffs by the U.S. and retaliatory measures from other countries led to a sharp decline in copper prices, with the lowest point reaching 71,320 yuan, marking an eight-month low [4] - **Phase 3 (Mid-April to Late June)**: Negotiations between the U.S. and other countries created temporary optimism, but ongoing uncertainties kept copper prices in a narrow range, with a gradual recovery influenced by a dovish stance from the Federal Reserve [5] Group 2: Tariff Impact and Global Trade - The U.S. tariff policies have increased trade barriers and geopolitical tensions, leading to heightened uncertainty in the market, particularly after the implementation of reciprocal tariffs [6] - The expectation of tariffs on copper has created a "siphoning effect," where copper flows towards the U.S. due to higher prices, with COMEX copper inventories rising significantly while LME inventories declined [10][12] - The ongoing uncertainty regarding the timing and level of U.S. tariffs on copper continues to influence market dynamics, with traders remaining active in anticipation of policy changes [12] Group 3: Smelting and Processing Fees - The processing fees for copper have dropped to negative values, creating significant pressure on smelting operations, with the processing fee reaching -40 USD per dry ton [9] - Despite the challenges, smelting plants have maintained production through adjustments in raw material sourcing and the contribution of by-product revenues [9] - The long-term contracts for copper concentrate processing fees have been locked in at historical lows, raising concerns about the sustainability of smelting operations moving forward [9] Group 4: Future Outlook - The copper market is expected to remain influenced by macroeconomic factors, particularly U.S. tariff policies, which will continue to affect demand expectations and market sentiment [13] - The tightening supply of copper ore and the operational challenges faced by smelting plants may lead to potential production cuts, which could provide upward support for copper prices [13] - The timing and impact of U.S. tariff policies on copper will be critical to monitor, as the current window for copper flow to the U.S. remains open until definitive measures are enacted [13]

Group 1 - LME copper prices fell by $90, or 0.9%, closing at $9,864.5 per ton, after reaching a three-month high of $10,020.5 earlier in the week [1] - Other base metals also experienced declines, with LME three-month aluminum down $15 to $2,590.0, zinc down $26.5 to $2,724.0, lead down $5.5 to $2,058.5, nickel down $161 to $15,290.0, and tin down $146 to $33,702.0 [2][6][7][8][9][10] - Market sentiment is cautious as major trading partners, including the EU, Japan, and India, continue negotiations with the U.S. regarding trade agreements, with potential tariffs looming [3] Group 2 - The U.S. job report showed an increase of 147,000 non-farm jobs in June, exceeding economists' expectations, which may influence the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions [4] - The market anticipates a 95.3% probability that the Federal Reserve will maintain interest rates during the July meeting, up from 76.2% earlier [4] - Guinea's bauxite exports are projected to increase by 36% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, reaching a record 99.8 million tons [5]

Group 1 - India announced measures to boost copper production, including encouraging foreign companies to build smelting and refining plants in exchange for investments in overseas mining operations by state-owned enterprises [1] - As the world's second-largest refined copper importer, India's copper concentrate imports are projected to reach 91%-97% by 2047, highlighting the necessity of acquiring overseas assets [1] - The government document indicates that while India has an estimated 12.2 million tons of copper resources, only 18% is classified as reserves, emphasizing the limited domestic supply [1] Group 2 - The demand for concentrate imports is increasing, indicating the need for supply diversification and foreign asset acquisitions, necessitating strategic interventions to support the industry [1] - India plans to promote foreign investments from companies like Codelco and BHP, focusing on establishing dedicated copper chapters in free trade agreement negotiations with Chile and Peru [1] - The document states that copper supply from major exporting countries like Indonesia and Panama is tightening, reducing India's import options, as Chile and Peru have long-term contractual relationships with global buyers like Japan and China [1] Group 3 - In the fiscal year ending March 2025, India imported 1.2 million tons of copper, a 4% increase year-on-year, with copper demand expected to reach 3-3.3 million tons by 2030 and 8.9-9.8 million tons by 2047 [1] - Short-term focus includes providing financial support for the construction of scrap metal processing facilities [1] - Long-term, India needs to provide financial support for the establishment of new 4-5 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA) smelting and refining capacity [2] Group 4 - India should promote tax-free imports of high-capacity mining and beneficiation equipment [2] - The government document also indicates plans to increase aluminum production, with domestic aluminum demand expected to reach 8.5 million tons by the fiscal year 2030 [2]

Core Viewpoint - The overseas market is showing signs of stagflation risk, while the Federal Reserve maintains a cautious policy with unchanged expectations for two rate cuts within the year. Domestic policies continue to support economic stability, with retail sales growth reaching a new high, indicating marginal improvement in consumption. However, a significant decline in real estate investment remains a core drag on the economy [2][16]. Group 1: Price Trends - Recent domestic and international aluminum prices have shown strong fluctuations. LME aluminum 3M opened at $2454/ton, reaching a monthly high of $2560.5/ton, with a monthly increase of $107.5/ton (4.38%). Meanwhile, domestic Shanghai aluminum opened at 20115 CNY/ton, with a monthly increase of 350 CNY/ton (1.74%) [3]. - The near-month Shanghai aluminum contract is supported by extremely low inventory and high spot premiums, while the far-month contract is pressured by weak seasonal demand and excess alumina supply, leading to a pessimistic outlook for future prices [5]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - China's electrolytic aluminum production remains stable and high, with strong support from the passenger vehicle market, despite weak real estate data. The current spot price of electrolytic aluminum is in a premium state [7]. - The domestic bauxite market has seen a slight price increase, currently quoted at 508 CNY/ton, with supply tightening due to seasonal rains and environmental inspections [8]. - The average theoretical cost of aluminum is 18374.51 CNY/ton, with an average profit of 3476 CNY/ton [10]. Group 3: Inventory and Consumption - As of July 3, 2025, aluminum ingot social inventory stands at 456,000 tons, while aluminum rod inventory is at 163,000 tons [10]. - In May 2025, the operating rate for aluminum plate and strip enterprises was 73.00%, while the operating rate for aluminum rod and wire enterprises was 63% [13]. - The automotive market shows strong growth, with May production and sales reaching 2.649 million and 2.686 million units, respectively, marking year-on-year increases of 11.6% and 11.2% [14]. Group 4: Market Outlook - The market outlook indicates that the traditional consumption will be suppressed by the approaching off-season, and the ongoing weakness in real estate will continue to be a challenge. However, low inventory levels and ongoing domestic growth policies are expected to provide some resilience to aluminum prices [19].