Latest Update in the SMM Niobium / Tantalum Market

SMM Analysis: Surge in Copper Plate/Sheet and Strip Exports in January-February, Processing Trade Boom in the Yangtze River Delta. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's copper plate/sheet and strip exports in January 2025 reached 10,377 mt, up 28.41% MoM, but down 3.8% YoY. In February 2025, exports were 7,504 mt, down 27.68% MoM, but up 9.06% YoY.

Last night, market sources reported that Glencore Plc suspended copper shipments from the Altonorte smelter in Chile. Meanwhile, it was also reported that Grupo Mexico's SPCC informed its smelter to halt production due to raw material issues, with the long-term contract supply for April now reduced to zero. Overnight, LME copper surged above $10,100/mt, and the most-traded SHFE copper contract also broke through the 83,000 yuan/mt mark.

SMM Analysis: According to SMM, the year-end and the beginning of the year are the conventional maintenance and shutdown periods for domestic lead-zinc mines. Affected by holidays and maintenance, overall production dropped to a low level at the year-end...

【SMM Analysis: As Q1 Nears Its End, What Is the Resumption Pace of Domestic Zinc Mines?】According to SMM, the year-end and the beginning of the year are the regular maintenance and shutdown periods for domestic lead and zinc mines. Affected by holidays and maintenance, the overall production dropped to a low level by the year-end. As Q2 approaches, some mines in the north that were previously shut down have gradually resumed operations. What is the current overall resumption pace? Will the rapid rebound in both domestic and international TCs impact the production schedule of miners this year...