Base metals traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange remained weak during Asian morning trading on Friday, with only aluminium and copper prices showing some resilience – the former finding support from news that US President Donald Trump will enact a 10% tariff on aluminium imports into the United States as a result of the Section 232 investigation.
Check Metal Bulletin’s live futures report here.
| LME snapshot at 02.01am London time | ||
| Latest three-month LME Prices | ||
| Price ($ per tonne) | Change since yesterday’s close ($) | |
| Copper | 6,939 | 17 |
| Aluminium | 2,143.50 | -3.5 |
| Lead | 2,462 | 17 |
| Zinc | 3,407 | -10 |
| Tin | 21,550 | -105 |
| Nickel | 13,410 | -50 |
| SHFE snapshot at 10.00am Shanghai time | ||
| Most-traded SHFE contracts | ||
| Price (yuan per tonne) | Change since yesterday’s close (yuan) | |
| Copper | 52,550 | 80 |
| Aluminium | 14,430 | 40 |
| Zinc | 26,195 | -235 |
| Lead | 18,865 | -225 |
| Tin | 147,130 | -200 |
| Nickel | 102,280 | -2,500 |
Union workers at Nexa Resources’ Cajamarquilla zinc smelter in Peru are calling an indefinite strike from Monday March 5 for a better share of profits and improved working conditions.
Third-party customers have started to recognize the value-in-use advantages that come from the bauxite produced at St Ann in Jamaica, according to David D’Addario, chief executive officer (CEO) of Noranda Bauxite and Alumina.
Industrial electricity rates in the US rose through 2017, which could prove to be a major factor in the viability of restarting domestic primary aluminium capacity in the coming months and years.
Copper and brass scrap markets are holding firm in the US amid mixed domestic demand while stiff competition overseas, freight challenges and a dip in Comex is keeping some pressure on prices.
The global alumina supply picture would likely look very different were it not for the introduction and adoption of alumina indices published by price reporting agencies, according to Mark Roggensinger, senior market analyst at Hydro.
Brazil will look for ways to avoid being included in any measures related to the US Section 232 investigation into steel and aluminum imports.
