沪铜：供需与政策影响，价格震荡承压

Core Viewpoint - The copper market is experiencing downward pressure due to multiple factors, including monetary policy changes, supply chain dynamics, and weakening demand [1] Supply Side - As of May 19, the current treatment charge (TC) is -43.03 USD/thousand tons, and the current refining charge (RC) is -4.30 cents/pound, indicating an expansion of negative processing fees [1] - Significant amounts of scrap copper are expected to continue entering the domestic market [1] - In April 2025, China imported 300,200 tons of refined copper, a year-on-year decrease of 1.83%, while exports reached 53,100 tons, a year-on-year increase of 216.38% [1] Inventory - The Shanghai Futures Exchange copper inventory rebounded from low levels during the week, while U.S. copper inventories increased significantly [1] Demand Side - Downstream demand is showing marginal weakness, with social inventory rebounding and terminal momentum weakening [1] - As of March 2025, apparent consumption of electrolytic copper was 1,372,400 tons, an increase of 93,800 tons, or 7.34% [1] - May marks the beginning of the demand off-season, with expected reductions in apparent consumption [1] - Cumulative sales of passenger vehicles from January to April 2025 reached 6.872 million units, a year-on-year increase of 7.9% [1] Market Outlook - Overall market expectations are uncertain, with copper prices under pressure due to weakening demand fundamentals, low social inventory, and tight supply expectations [1] - Despite domestic policy measures providing some support, the market remains in a state of strong expectations but weak realities [1] - Continuous monitoring of the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut probabilities and U.S.-China tariff policies is necessary [1]