SHFE Warehouse Inventory
Track physical metal stocks in SHFE-approved warehouses across China
Silver
Track SHFE silver warehouse inventory. Silver demand in China is driven by industrial applications, solar panels, and investment.
Gold
Track SHFE gold warehouse inventory. China is the world's largest gold consumer, and SHFE stocks reflect domestic physical demand.
Copper
Track SHFE copper warehouse inventory. Copper is China's most traded base metal, critical for construction, electronics, and electric vehicles.
Aluminum
Track SHFE aluminum warehouse inventory. China produces over half the world's aluminum, making SHFE stocks a key global supply indicator.
Zinc
Track SHFE zinc warehouse inventory. Zinc stocks reflect China's galvanizing and infrastructure demand.
Lead
Track SHFE lead warehouse inventory. Lead demand is driven primarily by battery manufacturing in China.
Nickel
Track SHFE nickel warehouse inventory. Nickel is essential for stainless steel production and EV battery cathodes.
Tin
Track SHFE tin warehouse inventory. Tin is critical for electronics soldering, with China being the world's largest consumer.
What Is SHFE?
The Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) is one of the largest commodity futures exchanges in the world and the primary exchange for metals trading in China. It operates approved warehouses across major Chinese cities where physical metals are stored as warrant stocks backing futures contracts. SHFE inventory data is released daily and is closely watched by global traders as a barometer of Chinese physical demand.
Why SHFE Inventory Matters
China is the world's largest consumer of most base metals, accounting for over 50% of global copper, aluminum, and zinc consumption. SHFE warehouse stocks provide direct visibility into Chinese physical supply conditions. Rising inventory may signal weakening demand or increased production, while declining stocks suggest strong consumption. Seasonal patterns around Chinese New Year and construction seasons create predictable inventory cycles that traders use for timing.
Understanding Warrant Stocks
SHFE warrant stocks represent metal that has been issued a warehouse receipt (warrant) and is eligible for delivery against futures contracts. Unlike COMEX which splits inventory into registered and eligible categories, SHFE reports a single warrant stock figure per metal per warehouse. This number is the headline figure that markets focus on, as it represents the deliverable supply available to the futures market.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is SHFE warehouse inventory?
- SHFE (Shanghai Futures Exchange) warehouse inventory is the total amount of physical metal stored in SHFE-approved warehouses across China. These warrant stocks back futures contracts traded on the exchange and are reported daily.
- Why do traders watch SHFE inventory levels?
- China consumes a large share of global base metals. SHFE inventory provides direct visibility into Chinese physical supply conditions. Declining stocks can signal strong domestic demand or supply disruptions, while rising stocks may indicate weakening consumption.
- What is a warrant stock on SHFE?
- Warrant stocks (also called warranted stocks) are metals that have been issued a warehouse receipt (warrant) by an SHFE-approved warehouse. These warrants can be used for delivery against futures contracts. The warrant stock level is the headline number traders monitor.
- How often does SHFE update inventory data?
- SHFE publishes warehouse stock reports daily after market close (typically around 15:00 CST / 07:00 UTC). Reports include per-warehouse breakdowns showing warrant stocks and day-over-day changes.
- How does SHFE inventory compare to LME and COMEX?
- SHFE, LME (London Metal Exchange), and COMEX are the three major metals exchanges. SHFE inventory reflects Chinese domestic supply, while LME and COMEX cover global and US markets respectively. Traders compare all three for a complete picture of worldwide metal supply.