The US copper cathode premium has fallen to its lowest level since July 2018 due to weakened demand and buyer concerns around the protracted US-China trade war.
Fastmarkets assessed the copper grade 1 cathode premium, ddp Midwest US at 6.75-7.5 cents per lb on Tuesday October 1, down from 7-7.75 cents previously and the premium's first move since August 13. Sources across the supply chain reported slackening demand, related to the overall contraction in the automotive market and the unsettled economic environment due to ongoing global...