ASIAN MORNING BRIEF 25/01: LME base metals bolstered by weaker dollar; Comex copper bounces back; copper premiums stable in US, Europe

The latest news and price moves to start the Asian day on Thursday January 25.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange put in a strong performance during the afternoon of Wednesday January 24, supported by the weaker dollar as the complex closed in positive territory across the board. Read more in our live futures report.

Here are how prices looked at the end of the day on Wednesday.

In the United States, Comex copper prices bounced back from the one-month low hit earlier this week, a reflection of the dollar hitting its lowest point since December 2014.

Moreover, copper premiums in the US and Europe were little changed this week, although US participants are gaining more confidence as the year progresses, while premiums in China have again come under downward pressure due to sluggish demand.

Chilean miner Antofagasta produced 704,300 tonnes of copper in 2017, down 0.7% from a year earlier, mainly due to lower grades at the Los Pelambres and Centinela mines.

Chinese cobalt metal prices rose slightly at midweek, closely following the trend in international cobalt prices.

Derek John Benham, who had more than 40 years of experience in the metals industry – mostly in cobalt and nickel – died earlier this month at the age of 65.

Manganese flake prices surged above $2,000 per tonne due to ongoing environmental inspections in China, with further production disruptions adding fresh impetus to this year’s rally.

US silicon metal prices are expected to find limited support from President Donald Trump’s decision to impose hefty duties on imported solar panels, industry sources said.

In the steel market, Pakistani flat steel roller and coater International Steels plans to set up service centers in Karachi and Lahore, the company said.

What to read next
The proposal to increase the publication frequency from monthly to weekly comes amid increased volatility of copper on the London Metal Exchange, while copper scrap discounts have been shifting on a more regular basis. This more frequent assessment will enable Fastmarkets to reflect market dynamics in a timelier manner, as well as capture more spot […]
Fastmarkets has corrected its assessments for Shanghai bonded nickel stocks on January 30.
Fastmarkets has corrected the rationale for its MB-AL-0346 Aluminium P1020A premium, in-whs dup Rotterdam, $/tonne that was published incorrectly on Thursday January 29.
Fastmarkets has corrected the rationale for its MB-AL-0299 aluminium 6063 extrusion billet premium, ddp Spain that was published incorrectly on Friday January 23.
Learn about the recent trends in AI metals costs and their effect on lithium, copper and aluminium prices for energy storage.
Following a consultation period, which closed on January 14, Fastmarkets will increase the frequency of its MB-BX-0016 Bauxite, cif China, price assessment to a weekly basis, from a monthly basis. Fastmarkets will also extend the timing of the price to include cargoes for arrival within 90 days and move the publishing time to 7pm Shanghai time on Friday. […]