Following gold and silver bars, another type of metal has recently "gone viral" on Chinese social media — "investing in copper bars." In Shenzhen’s Shuibei Market, China’s largest jewelry distribution center, several vendors have tentatively introduced investment-grade copper bars made of 999.9 pure copper. Reportedly, these come in 500-gram and 1000-gram specifications, with a 1000-gram investment copper bar priced between 180 and 280 RMB (105 to 163 MYR). After reports surfaced, the mall has already banned the sale of copper bars and instructed all counters to remove them.
● Surge in Investment Copper Bars
According to the "National Business Daily," on the afternoon of January 20, Chinese media reporters visited several trading centers in Shenzhen’s Shuibei Market and found that "investment copper bars" were not openly displayed at the counters. Some vendors indicated that the mall had issued clear instructions: "Copper bars are banned from sale — any counters displaying them must immediately take them down!" However, others said that copper bars "just started selling these last couple of days," and if needed, "you can pay first and someone else will deliver them later"; another vendor said, "Currently, all copper bars are under customer order, there’s no extra stock, minimum order is one kilogram, 180 RMB per bar (1000 grams), but you’ll need to wait for the factory’s notice (a few days to arrive)."
● Retailers Only Sell, Not Buy Back – Difficult to Realize Cash Value
According to "21st Century Business Herald," a vendor said the retail price of the copper bar is 180 RMB per bar (including labor cost), while the buyback price is just about 80 RMB (46 MYR), but there is no assured buyback. "It’s fine to buy for fun, but not for investment. We don’t usually recommend it, but if you insist, we’ll sell it."
Since 2026, copper prices have hit record highs. On January 14, London Metal Exchange (LME) copper futures reached a historic high of $13,407 (54,300 MYR) per ton, and Chinese copper futures rose to over 100,000 RMB (58,200 MYR) per ton.
Regarding “investment copper bars,” most people maintain a "just curious" attitude. A Shuibei vendor said there have been more inquiries lately, but very few actual buyers.
According to "China National Radio," unlike gold and silver which have mature recycling systems, most vendors selling investment copper bars clearly state they only sell but do not buy back, with a few offering consignment sales. After buying copper bars, individual investors may find it "difficult to cash out."
Some people believe the sudden popularity of "investment copper bars" is mainly due to the recent rise in international copper prices and the amplification effect of social media. "Some people think copper is cheap, the entry cost is low, so they want to buy some physical metal and hold onto it."
● Invest Rationally
Analysts point out, "Copper is suitable for stockpiling by the ton, not by the catty (500g). The premium on copper bars is too high—you might not break even even after several years." At 200 RMB (116 MYR) per kilogram, copper prices would have to rise to 200,000 RMB (116,400 MYR) per ton to cover the purchase cost, and this is before accounting for capital costs and resale discounts. Currently, spot copper prices are about 100,000 RMB per ton.
"The real market price for copper is much lower than the price of ‘investment copper bars’ — vendors’ quoted prices may include brand, processing, packaging, and other costs," said Fu Xiaoyan, Senior Director of Nanhua Futures Research Institute, in an interview with Chinese media. In terms of investment value, precious metals have monetary attributes, while copper’s value is mainly in its commodity attributes, so there’s a fundamental difference in investment value. In terms of buyback channels, if vendors refuse to repurchase, "investment copper bars" bought by individuals may only be sold as scrap, yielding a much lower price.
"I advise ordinary investors not to touch ‘investment copper bars’," said a senior manager in the International Department of a state-owned bank in Zhejiang during an interview: "Most people don’t really understand the price movements of copper and other metals — the market is extremely volatile and the risks are very high. It’s best not to blindly follow the hype."