Group 1 - LME copper prices increased by $14 or 0.15% to $9,533.50 per ton on May 21, driven by investor concerns over rising U.S. debt levels and a weakening dollar, prompting a search for hard assets [1][3] - The three-month copper price reached a six-week high of $9,664 per ton, supported by easing trade concerns, although optimism is waning [3] - Technical analysis indicates strong support for copper at $9,500 per ton, with a short-term target of $9,950 per ton if no significant negative macroeconomic events occur [3] Group 2 - Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1 due to increased government debt and interest payment ratios, changing the outlook from "negative" to "stable" [3] - The global refined copper production for Q1 2025 was 7.2832 million tons, with consumption at 7.0125 million tons, resulting in a surplus of 270,800 tons [5] - The World Bureau of Metal Statistics reported that global refined copper production in March 2025 was 2.5135 million tons, with consumption at 2.493 million tons, leading to a surplus of 20,500 tons [4]

5月21日（周三），伦敦金属交易所(LME)期铜上涨，受美元走软和需求前景改善提振，不过由于关税 对经济增长的不确定性持续存在，铜价涨幅有限。 北京时间17:30，LME三个月期铜上涨0.20%，报每吨9,539美元。 美元汇率周三走低，延续了两天来兑主要货币的跌势，使得以美元计价的大宗商品对持有其他货币的买 家来说价格有所下降。 中国人民银行授权全国银行间同业拆借中心公布，2025年5月20日贷款市场报价利率（LPR）为：1年期 LPR为3.0%，5年期以上LPR为3.5%。以上LPR在下一次发布LPR之前有效。 新德里研究公司SS WealthStreet的创始人Sugandha Sachdeva称："关税可能导致美国陷入经济衰退的担忧 可能会限制铜价涨幅。" "从技术上看，铜在每吨9,500美元处找到了强有力的支撑，短期内，如果宏观经济没有出现重大的负面 意外，铜价的目标是每吨9,950美元。" 在其他伦敦金属中，LME三个月期锌上涨0.11%，报每吨2,713.50美元；三个月期铝大体持稳，报每吨 2,471美元；三个月期铅下跌1.11%，至每吨1,958.5美元；三个月期锡下跌0.28%，至每吨32 ...

Group 1 - The core viewpoint indicates that the tin market is experiencing a tug-of-war between current supply tightness and future supply expectations, limiting upward price movement [1] - The main supply issue is characterized by a tight domestic tin mining situation, with smelting plant operating rates remaining low at 56.85% in key provinces [1] - Demand is showing signs of weakness, particularly among small and medium enterprises, with pessimistic expectations for future demand due to tariffs and semiconductor cycles [1] Group 2 - Overall consumption lacks momentum, but basic consumption remains stable, with some recovery in exports of terminal goods [2] - The domestic tin supply remains tight, with expectations for increased imports due to overseas restarts [2] - The macroeconomic impact is diminishing, and the fundamental market lacks strong drivers, suggesting that short-term tin prices may experience fluctuations and adjustments [2]

Core Insights - The ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs and the premium status of COMEX/LME copper prices are likely to sustain the volume of copper shipments to the U.S. [2][5] - Since the announcement of potential tariffs on imported copper in February, COMEX copper prices have risen significantly, reaching a historical high in March [3][4]. - Analysts expect an additional 250,000-300,000 tons of copper to be shipped to the U.S. between March and May due to the current market conditions [5]. Price Dynamics - COMEX copper prices reached a record high of $11,633 per ton in March, with a premium of over $1,570 per ton compared to LME prices [4]. - Although the COMEX/LME copper premium has decreased to $600 per ton, it remains high enough to incentivize traders to ship copper to the U.S. [6]. Shipping Trends - Traders are increasingly using bulk carriers instead of container ships to expedite shipments before potential tariffs are imposed, reducing transit time from 40 days to approximately two weeks [8]. - In March, 95,202 tons of copper were shipped to the U.S. via bulk carriers, increasing to 127,539 tons in April, compared to around 44,000 tons in January and February [9]. Supply Sources - The majority of copper supplies to the U.S. come from LME-registered warehouses, with LME copper inventories declining nearly 60% since mid-February [5]. - In early May, 71,591 tons of copper were shipped to the U.S. via bulk carriers, with increased shipments from Chile [10]. Emerging Markets - Unusual shipments of copper from Germany and Spain to the U.S. were recorded in March and April, with 10,000 tons and 4,500 tons respectively, indicating a shift in traditional supply sources [11]. - Analysts predict that more copper will be shipped to the U.S. in the latter half of May due to the ongoing price premium [12].

Core Viewpoint - The significant rebound in alumina prices is primarily driven by disruptions in Guinea's mining policies, particularly the revocation of mining licenses, which has notably impacted supply dynamics [2][10]. Group 1: Supply Disruptions - Guinea's mining authority issued a work stoppage order for the Axis mining area, affecting an annual capacity of approximately 40 million tons, with a 2024 production estimate of 23 million tons [3]. - The revocation of mining licenses for 46 companies in Guinea has escalated supply concerns, leading to a sharp increase in alumina futures prices [3][4]. - Guinea is the largest bauxite producer globally, with its output accounting for 69.4% of China's alumina imports, making it a critical supplier [4]. Group 2: Domestic Production and Capacity - As of May 15, the total built capacity for metallurgical-grade alumina in China is 10,922 million tons per year, with an operating capacity of 8,412 million tons per year, reflecting a decrease in the operating rate to 77.02% [6]. - The decline in domestic alumina production is attributed to significant profit drops, with average operating rates falling from 86.1% in March to 84.6% in April [6][7]. - The industry is currently experiencing low operating rates, with planned maintenance and project delays contributing to reduced supply pressure [7]. Group 3: Price Trends and Future Outlook - Short-term alumina prices are expected to remain strong due to supply disruptions and a tightening market, although medium-term oversupply risks persist [8][10]. - The anticipated addition of 1.14 million tons of new alumina capacity in China by 2025, along with 400,000 tons from overseas, may outpace demand growth, leading to potential price pressures [8]. - Key factors to monitor include the ongoing developments in Guinea's mining policies, domestic production capacity changes, and the operating rates of downstream electrolytic aluminum plants [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - Nickel prices have experienced significant fluctuations due to trade tensions and changes in Indonesian policies, leading to a complex supply-demand dynamic in the nickel market [2][4][6]. Group 1: Price Dynamics - Nickel prices dropped to a low of 115,000 yuan/ton in early April due to heightened risk aversion from trade conflicts, but later recovered to a range around 125,000 yuan/ton as market sentiment improved [2]. - The price of nickel has been constrained within a narrow range, primarily due to a shift in trading logic and the oversupply in the nickel industry, particularly from Indonesia [4][16]. - The Indonesian government has adjusted the tax rates on nickel products, increasing the nickel ore tax from a fixed 10% to a floating rate of 14%-19%, which is expected to provide some price support [6]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Factors - Indonesia's nickel resources are becoming increasingly significant in the global market, with the country implementing various policies that impact nickel pricing and supply [5][6]. - The global supply of refined nickel has been in surplus, with inventories rising from 50,000 tons to around 250,000 tons, indicating a growing imbalance in the market [13]. - Domestic demand for nickel, particularly in the stainless steel sector, is under pressure due to slow recovery in real estate transactions and seasonal demand fluctuations [8][15]. Group 3: Production and Capacity - China's refined nickel production has increased significantly, with a cumulative output of 140,000 tons in the first four months of 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 44.94% [11]. - The production capacity utilization rate for domestic refined nickel enterprises remains high at 96.94%, indicating robust production levels despite external challenges [11]. - New production capacities in Indonesia and China are gradually displacing traditional high-cost nickel producers, leading to a shift in the global supply landscape [11]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The nickel market is expected to remain in a state of wide-ranging fluctuations, with strong cost support from Indonesian policies and ongoing supply constraints limiting downward price movements [16]. - The end of the rainy season in the Philippines is anticipated to increase nickel ore shipments, which may lead to a more relaxed supply situation [16]. - The overall sentiment in the nickel market is cautious, with steel mills adopting a conservative approach to raw material procurement amid a backdrop of weakening demand [16].

Group 1 - Copper prices declined on May 16, but are expected to rise this week, with long-term demand uncertainty limiting further increases [2] - The LME benchmark copper contract fell by $81.5 or 0.85% to $9,495.5 per ton [3] - The most actively traded June copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange closed down 250 yuan or 0.32% at 78,140 yuan per ton [4] Group 2 - This week, LME copper rose approximately 1%, while Shanghai copper prices increased about 0.6% [5] - A metal analyst noted that traders are pleased with the US-China trade decisions, but uncertainty remains about future developments after 90 days [6] - Analysts expect Shanghai copper to hover around 78,000-79,000 yuan per ton in the short term, reflecting mixed market sentiment [7] Group 3 - Copper inventories at Shanghai Futures Exchange warehouses surged 34% this week to 108,142 tons [8] - The rapid increase in copper inventory may exert short-term pressure on copper prices, according to traders [9] - Other LME metals also experienced declines, with three-month aluminum down 0.8%, zinc down 1.1%, lead down 1.1%, and tin down 0.5% [9]

知名投行摩根大通（JP Morgan）预计，今年下半年铜的均价将为每吨9,225美元，铝均价为每吨2,325美 元。 该行指出，贸易局势缓和是降低经济衰退可能性的关键因素，从而减轻了这两种基本金属需求和价格下 行风险。 一位金属交易商称，周三支撑金属的空头回补已经消失，市场焦点重新转向经济放缓。 这种用于电力和建筑业的金属在此前五个交易日一直上涨。周三触及9664美元，为4月2日以来最高价。 | | | 5月15日LIE基本金属收盘报价(美元/吨) | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 令屋 | 收盘价 | | 涨跌 涨跌幅 | | 三个月期铜 | 9577.00 | - | -29.50 ↓ -0.31% | | 三个月期铝 | 2489.00 | 1 | -39.50 J -1.56% | | 三个月期锌 | 2724.50 | ﮨﮯ۔ | -40.50 J -1.46% | | 三个月期铅 | 2004.50 | 1 | +8.00 ↑ +0.40% | | 三个月期镇 | 15799.00 | - | -72.00 ↓ -0.45% | | 三个月期锡 | | 32974.0 ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent supply-side adjustments and maintenance in the alumina industry have provided a boost to the market, leading to a rebound in alumina prices, with the main contract surpassing the 3000 yuan mark, reaching a one-and-a-half-month high [2][4]. Supply-Side Dynamics - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other departments have issued a plan for high-quality development in the aluminum industry, which includes no new capacity for electrolytic aluminum and alumina in key pollution prevention areas. However, some companies are reportedly circumventing these regulations by launching alumina projects under the guise of "hydroxide alumina" [4]. - Several alumina companies have begun maintenance and production cuts due to increasing losses, leading to a temporary decline in alumina output and supporting price rebounds. Notable production cuts include a major alumina plant in Shanxi and several plants in Shandong and Guizhou, collectively affecting around 300,000 tons of capacity [5][6]. Inventory and Cost Trends - Recent fluctuations in production have led to a decrease in alumina inventory, with total inventory reported at 3.891 million tons, down 55,000 tons from May 1 [7]. - The cost of alumina production is expected to decline due to falling prices of imported bauxite and caustic soda. The weighted average cost of alumina production in China was reported at 3033.4 yuan per ton, down approximately 125 yuan from the previous month [9][11]. Long-Term Outlook - Despite short-term price support from production cuts, the long-term outlook suggests that alumina supply may remain in surplus due to the potential recovery of previously cut capacities and new capacity releases. The industry is projected to add 2.6 million tons of new capacity in May alone [6][11]. - The demand for alumina may face limitations due to a hard cap on electrolytic aluminum production capacity, which is set at 45.5 million tons, restricting significant increases in alumina demand [6]. Market Sentiment - The alumina market is currently experiencing a rebound due to supply-side disruptions and maintenance, but the overall supply-demand balance remains precarious, with potential for continued oversupply in the future. Market participants are advised to monitor capacity release schedules, bauxite price changes, and demand performance closely [11][12].

全球交易所库存情况来看：截至5月14日，LME铜库存较4月30日减少12125吨至18.56万吨，前期LME与COMEX套利操作令LME铜库持续降低，LME市场供 应压力提升；上期所铜库存继续减少8602吨至8.07万吨，上期所铜库存自3月起持续下降，冶炼厂加工费低位以及下游消费回升令国内供应问题持续深化； COMEX铜库存较五一假期前增加23017吨至16.7万吨，与前期套利操作到货有一定关系。 SHMET 网讯： 近期铜市表现平稳，铜价持续于5日均线附近窄幅震荡已经超过两周时间，宏观市场对铜价的压制作用明显减弱，基本面支撑明确。伦铜表现持续相对沪铜 偏强，与前期海外套利造成的铜的库存结构变化有一定关系。 宏观方面，美联储5月议息会议未采取降息行动，联邦基金利率目标区间保持4.25%至4.5%不变，这是美联储连续第三次货币政策会议决定暂停行动，符合 市场预期。在美联储公布最新利率决议两天后，超过一半的美联储政策制定者公开发表讲话，没有一位暗示美联储即将降息，多位官员强调控制通胀预期的 重要性，认为贸易政策不确定性或使利率保持在高位更长时间。根据芝商所工具显示，期货市场预计美联储6月不降息的概率偏大，7月降息 ...