By Global Market:
China is signaling capacity caps on copper, lead, and zinc smelters to manage oversupply and stabilize refining margins.
Sulphuric acid and processing costs are rising in Asia, adding pressure on smelters.
Copper prices softened amid global monetary policy uncertainty and improving supply outlook.
Leading producers such as Korea Zinc reported stronger operational profitability, reflecting efficiency advantages even in a softer price environment.
- Copper (LME): ~ USD 10,723/tonne for the cash settlement as of 6 Nov 2025.
- Aluminium (LME): ~ USD 2,861.50/tonne for cash settlement as of 6 Nov 2025.
- Zinc (LME): ~ USD 3,186/tonne as of 6 Nov 2025.
- Lead (LME): ~ USD 2,000.50/tonne as of 6 Nov 2025.
Overall global tone: Cost pressures at smelters vs. cautious price outlook → steady but watchful market sentiment.
UAE & GCC Market:
Demand remains stable across construction, cables, packaging, and manufacturing, driven by infrastructure and industrial activity in UAE & Saudi Arabia.
Premiums and trading activity are steady, with buyers and sellers negotiating narrowly in line with global softness.
Recycling flows remain healthy, with consistent supply of aluminium, copper, and mixed scrap grades.
Logistics and port operations are smooth, with moderate container movement ahead of year-end cycles.
Sustainability and circular-economy focus continues to support interest in secondary metals and low-carbon material sourcing.
UAE & GCC Regional Non-Ferrous Price Snapshot
(USD/MT – Ex-Warehouse / Trader-to-End-Buyer Range)
Metal / Grade Regional Price Range Market Tone Notes
- Copper (Millberry / Birch-Cliff cleaned) $8,250 – $8,550/MT Steady Strong UAE cable demand; buyers selective on shine/cleanliness.
- Copper (Mixed / Berry Candy light) $7,850 – $8,100/MT Stable Wide spread depending on PVC contamination % & bright wire content.
- Aluminium Ingot (ADC12 – UAE local) $2,050 – $2,200/MT Slightly Soft Foundries buying stable; small pressure from lower export inquiries.
- Aluminum UBC Scrap (Baled/Washed) $1,400 – $1,520/MT Active Continuous inflow; recyclers offering competitive lots.
- Zinc SHG Ingots (99.995%) LME + $140 – $190/MT (reduced further to $119/MT) premium Stable/Negotiated Quality & origin important; steady Dubai warehouse trades.
- Zinc Dross (White dross / Skimmings) $1,520 – $1,750/MT Steady Sellers holding firm due to limited clean, low-slag stock.
- Lead Ingots (99.97% / Battery Re-melt) $2,050 – $2,220/MT Stable KSA battery yards active; secondary smelters running steady.
- Nickel Cathode / Briquettes LME-linked; low spot volumes Quiet Mostly contract-driven, very thin GCC spot liquidity.
Market Sentiment: Demand remains healthy in UAE & Saudi industrial and cable sectors.Prices are tracking global softness, keeping premiums negotiated but stable.Recycling yards active, especially aluminium & copper flows.Buyers are favoring proven quality & test-certificate cargo.
