For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• At the start of the quarter, the Brass rod Price Index in North America posted a steady rise, reflecting ongoing supply tightness and firm industrial consumption.
• Despite higher input costs, the Brass rod Production Cost Trend remained elevated throughout the quarter driven by constrained copper and zinc feedstock, volatile metal prices, and energy inflation that squeezed manufacturing margins.
• Even with rising production costs, the Brass rod Demand Outlook remained bullish: demand surged from construction, including infrastructure and electrical projects—and growing use in electric vehicle components across the region.
• Through mid quarter, the interplay of limited material supply and buoyant industrial demand pushed the Brass rod Price Index upward, particularly in U.S. markets where treatment charges rose alongside falling LME copper stocks.
• By the end of the quarter, supply-side constraints, including persistent copper and zinc shortages—and robust downstream purchase activity supported a firm Brass rod Price Forecast, indicating that prices were expected to remain strong absent any easing in raw-material availability
Why did the Boron price change in July 2025 in North America?
Based on data in mid July 2025, the Brass rod Price Index increased further. This was driven by rising brass and copper scrap pricing, with red and yellow brass scrap climbing alongside copper market strength, reflecting continuing raw-material pressure and tight supply dynamics
APAC
• Brass rod Price Index in the APAC region rose by roughly 9.2% quarter on quarter from Q1 to Q2 2025, signalling a tightening supply demand balance compared to the prior quarter.
• Brass rod Production Cost Trend: At the start of the quarter, production costs began trending upward as copper and zinc shortages tightened raw material availability particularly in South Korea, where copper stocks fell 2% in April, then plunged 31.4% in May, and declined further in June. Elevated energy costs and global logistic bottlenecks compounded cost pressures throughout the quarter.
• Strong demand from key markets especially India's booming construction sector and continuing demand from China and the U.S. helped sustain elevated Brass rod Demand Outlook, as infrastructure development and automotive growth supported consumption through the quarter despite input constraints.
• Supply constraints in South Korea intensified through Q2 as raw material shortages forced reduced operating rates. This tightening supply, together with resilient downstream demand, supported upward momentum in the price index, consistent with the observed quarterly increase.
• Unless material supply bottlenecks ease or raw material inventories rebuild, Brass rod Price is expected to maintain upward pressure in the near term; medium to long term trends remain bullish due to ongoing infrastructure and industrial demand across APAC and globally.
• By the end of the quarter, warehouse inventories remained tight; no major logistical disruptions occurred, which helped preserve the elevated price levels established during the quarter.
Why did the Boron price change in July 2025 in Asia?
The Brass rod Price Index further increased in early July - a rise compared to average Q2 levels, indicating a continued tight supply and sustained global demand.
Europe
• At the start of the quarter, the Brass rod Price Index in Europe rose approximately +6.5% quarter on quarter, reflecting tightening raw material supply and solid downstream demand.
• Constraints on copper and zinc availability drove the Brass rod Production Cost Trend upward as LME copper inventories fell sharply (18 %) and zinc stocks declined, raising smelters’ input costs and pressuring margins
• Despite elevated production costs, the Brass rod Demand Outlook remained robust across the region: demand from automotive, construction, electrical equipment, plumbing components, and infrastructure projects sustained order levels throughout the quarter.
• The interplay of constrained raw material supply and resilient industrial consumption lifted the Brass rod Price Index through mid quarter, pushing spot prices upward notably in Italy and France, with Italy seeing around 1.4 % month on month gains.
• By the end of the quarter, prices for brass rod in Europe settled around USD 7,364/MT FOB Marseille, with the Brass rod Price Forecast pointing to continued firmness unless raw material pressures ease significantly
Why did the Boron price change in July 2025 in Europe?
Based on data as of July 24–25 2025, the Brass rod Price Index in Europe increased further by in July, driven by persistent copper and zinc feedstock tightness and still strong industrial demand reinforcing limited supply turnaround
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The Brass Rod Price Index in North America posted a steady increase throughout Q1 2025, supported by robust demand and tightening global supply.
• The Brass Rod Spot Price in the U.S. climbed quarter-on-quarter, influenced by reduced LME copper warehouse stocks and higher treatment charges.
• Energy cost inflation and geopolitical issues disrupted manufacturing networks, adding to upward pricing pressure.
• On the supply side, copper availability was constrained, while zinc inventories fell significantly, raising supply risk concerns.
• Demand surged across U.S. construction subsectors, particularly for infrastructure and electrical applications.
• Electric vehicle (EV) production also fueled increased consumption due to brass’s widespread use in connectors and components.
• Why did the price change in Europe in April 2025? Prices were high, driven by ongoing raw material shortages and strong downstream demand in infrastructure and EV segments.
• The Brass Rod Production Cost Trend remained elevated due to volatile metal prices and high energy expenses.
• The Brass Rod Demand Outlook for Q2 2025 is bullish, with continued strength from the construction and EV manufacturing sectors.
• The Brass Rod Price Forecast for North America points to sustained firmness unless copper and zinc supply pressures ease.
Europe
• The Brass Rod Price Index in Europe inclined consistently throughout the first quarter of 2025, influenced by persistent supply constraints and solid industrial demand.
• The Brass Rod Spot Price in France settled by the end of Q1 at USD 7,364/MT FOB Marseille, reflecting a 1.6% Q-o-Q increase from last quarter of 2024.
• LME copper inventories fell by 18% to 213,275 tons, while zinc stocks also declined, tightening raw material inputs for producers.
• Higher production costs and reduced concentrate throughput added to pricing pressure, particularly in Western Europe.
• Demand remained firm, led by the automotive sector (increased car registrations in Italy) and ongoing construction activity across the region.
• Why did the price of Brass Rod change in April 2025 in Europe? Prices were high, supported by limited base metal availability and elevated operating costs across the region.
• The Brass Rod Production Cost Trend remained on the rise due to energy market volatility and raw material shortages.
• The Brass Rod Demand Outlook for Q2 stays positive, with downstream sectors signaling sustained activity, especially in automotive and plumbing components.
• The Brass Rod Price Forecast indicates continued upward momentum unless supply disruptions ease significantly.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• The Brass Rod Price Index in APAC showed mixed movement in Q1 2025, with early-quarter declines followed by a sharp rebound in March.
• The Brass Rod Spot Price in China ended Q1 2025 at USD 7,069/MT Ex-Shanghai, reflecting a 6.6% decline QoQ compared to Q4 2024.
• Prices initially dropped due to cautious buyer sentiment, high copper costs, and conservative inventory strategies.
• Mid-quarter saw some supply stabilization with steady copper and zinc availability, although profit margins remained tight.
• A late-quarter price surge was fueled by government stimulus, post-holiday industrial recovery, and booming demand in construction and automotive sectors.
• Why did the price of Brass Rod change in April 2025? Prices were high, continuing the Q1 rebound amid accelerating downstream demand and tightening inventories.
• The Brass Rod Production Cost Trend stayed volatile, with fluctuations in copper pricing and freight rates impacting margins.
• The Brass Rod Demand Outlook for Q2 is optimistic, especially in China and Southeast Asia, driven by infrastructure investment and automotive growth.
• The Brass Rod Price Forecast suggests further firming, contingent on sustained industrial momentum and global copper availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: What are the primary applications and key demand drivers for brass rods globally?
Brass rods are extensively used in plumbing and sanitary ware, automotive components (e.g., fittings, connectors), electrical and electronics (connectors, terminals), architecture and decorative items, and industrial machinery. Growing urbanization, industrialization, and infrastructure development, especially in emerging economies, are significant demand drivers.
Q2: How are sustainability and technological advancements impacting the brass rod market?
There's a growing emphasis on sustainable manufacturing practices, including increased use of recycled brass materials to reduce environmental footprint and costs. Technological advancements in extrusion, casting, and precision machining are improving production efficiency, quality, and enabling new applications, including lead-free brass for health-sensitive uses.
Q3: What are the main challenges and opportunities facing the global brass rod market in the coming years?
Challenges include volatility in raw material prices, competition from substitute materials (like aluminum and steel), and stringent environmental regulations. Opportunities lie in the continued growth of end-use industries, increasing adoption of recyclable materials, and innovations in manufacturing processes to meet evolving demands for high-performance and customized brass rods.
