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):
1. What is the current price of Brass Rod in Europe?
• France (FOB Marseille): USD 7,364/MT
2. Who are the top Brass Rod producers in the United States?
• Key producers include Mueller Brass, Chase Brass, and National Bronze Mfg., serving major construction, automotive, and industrial segments.
3. What is driving the Brass Rod Production Cost Trend globally?
• Increased energy costs, falling copper/zinc inventories, elevated treatment charges, and logistical constraints are the primary cost drivers.
4. What is the Brass Rod Demand Outlook for Q2 2025?
• North America: Strong, fueled by infrastructure and EV sectors.
• Europe: Solid, with automotive and industrial segments in focus.
• APAC: Positive, backed by policy stimulus and infrastructure expansion.
