PRICING NOTICE: Proposal to launch blister copper 98-99% spot RC cif China, blister copper 98-99% annual benchmark RC cif China

Metal Bulletin is proposing to launch two blister copper refining charges (RC) assessments.

Metal Bulletin proposes to launch two blister copper refining charges (RC) assessments, namely blister copper 98-99% spot RC cif China, and blister copper 98-99% annual benchmark RC cif China. The spot assessment will be published on a monthly basis while the benchmark assessment will be published on an annual basis.

Blister copper, an intermediate copper product used by smelters for refined coper production, is known as one of the first options for scrap replacement. Imports of blister copper into China, the world’s biggest importer, have grown substantially over the past few years to account for about 8% of China’s copper unit imports.

More blister copper is expected to flow into the country to fill the supply gap arising from a drop in the scrap import quotas amid anti-pollution curbs. Seeing a growing interest in blister copper trade, Metal Bulletin is looking to provide regular trackers of the refining charges on both a contract and spot basis. While the annual benchmark reflects the market’s view towards the medium-to-long term demand-supply fundamentals, the spot RC serves as an indicator of domestic smelting operating status or seasonal changes.

The specification, delivery terms and publication timing will be as follows:

Price: Blister copper 98-99% spot RC cif China
Type: Assessed single number and range
Chemical specification: Blister copper of 98-99% copper content, with varying payables
Basis: Blister copper 98-99% spot RC cif China
Currency: USD per tonne
Unit: Tonne
Delivery window: Within 2 months
Publication: Monthly, end of the month between 3pm and 4pm London time

Price: Blister copper 98-99% annual benchmark RC cif China
Type: Assessed single number and range
Chemical specification: Blister copper of 98-99% copper content, with varying payables
Basis: Blister copper 98-99% annual benchmark RC cif China
Currency: USD per tonne
Unit: Tonne
Publication: Annually, January or February of the year

The consultation period for this proposed launch will end one month from the date of this pricing notice on 28 February 2018. Changes will take place, subject to the results of this consultation, from Wednesday February 28.

To provide feedback on these prices or if you would like to provide price information by becoming a data submitter to these prices, please contact Julian Luk and Archie Hunter by email at: pricing@metalbulletin.com. Please add the subject heading FAO: Julian Luk/Archie Hunter, re: Blister copper 98-99% spot RC cif China, blister copper 98-99% annual benchmark RC cif China.

To see all Metal Bulletin’s pricing methodology and specification documents go to: www.metalbulletin.com/prices/pricing-methodology

What to read next
The following prices were affected: MB-STE-0007 Steel hot-rolled coil domestic monthly, exw Brazil, reais/tonne MB-STE-0005 Steel cold-rolled coil domestic monthly, exw Brazil, reais/tonne MB-STE-0006 Steel hot-dipped galvanized coil domestic monthly, exw Brazil, reais/tonne MB-STE-0008 Steel reinforcing bar (rebar) domestic monthly, delivered Brazil, reais/tonne These prices are a part of the Fastmarkets steel package. For more information or to provide […]
Fastmarkets proposes to discontinue the following duplicate prices, which were previously assessed on a US timestamp and also assessed in Asia, to better reflect observed market liquidity and based on previously received market feedback. Fastmarkets assessed these markets in both the US and Asia following the acquisition and merger of The Jacobson and Palm Oil […]
Fastmarkets has proposed several changes to the methodologies for its suite of global palm and lauric oil methodologies to give more insight into how these prices are assessed. It is also clarifying the timing and monthly rolls of several assessments. Fastmarkets has observed growth and market interest in these prices and wishes to give more […]
Explore the base metals outlook 2026 and learn how market trends are impacting copper, tin, and other metals this year.
Fastmarkets proposes to amend the pricing frequency of its copper grade A cathode premium, delivered Germany; copper grade A cathode premium, cif Leghorn; and copper EQ cathode premium, cif Europe to one a week from the current fortnightly basis, effective December 30.
The following prices were affected: MB-STE-0916 Green steel domestic, differential to US HRC, fob mill, $/short ton MB-STE-0917 Green steel base price, hot-rolled coil fob US mill, weekly inferred, $/short ton These prices are a part of the Fastmarkets steel package. For more information or to provide feedback on the delayed publication of this price or if […]