ASIAN MORNING BRIEF 22/12: Aluminium leads LME gains; Peru instability threatens copper mine sale; China’s copper premiums fall

The latest news and price moves to start the Asian day on Friday December 22.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were mostly higher at the close on Thursday December 21, with quiet trading conditions setting in. Read more in our live futures report.

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

Peru has postponed the auction of the Michiquillay copper project until February 20 because the country’s political crisis is turning companies that are interested in developing the project cautious.

Shanghai copper premiums moved slightly lower this week on arbitrage losses and tighter credit, while those in Europe and the United States were flat ahead of the Christmas holiday break.

Metro Mining has signed a four-year supply deal with Chinese state-owned enterprise SPIC Aluminium and Electric Power Investment for 6.5 million tonnes of bauxite.

Global crude stainless steel production totaled 36.08 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2017, according to figures released by the International Stainless Steel Forum.

Swiss special and stainless steel producer Schmolz + Bickenbach has put in a bid to acquire a substantial part of Asco Industries, joining two other official bids for the French specialty steelmaker.

India’s Tata Steel is planning to increase its steel capacity to 18 million tonnes per year by expanding its Kalinganagar operations in the country.

The Chinese market has flagged robust demand for seaborne pulverized coal injection cargoes amid a surge in prices for domestic and imported coking coal as well as for locally produced coke.

What to read next
LME Week 2025 arrives amid supply disruptions, evolving carbon policies and tariff tensions that continue to reshape the copper, aluminium and zinc markets.
Teck Resources has again reduced its copper output forecasts through 2028 as production challenges persist at its Quebrada Blanca mine in Chile, reflecting a broader slowdown across the global copper industry. The company’s revised targets underline tightening supply conditions for the red metal.
Abu Dhabi’s IRH Trading is accelerating its copper trading expansion, targeting 1 million tonnes per year by 2030. Backed by strategic mining assets in Africa and sovereign capital, the company aims to strengthen its global presence in metals trading while fostering long-term partnerships.
After a consultation period, Fastmarkets will clarify and amend some of the specifications for MB-ZN-0005 Zinc SHG min 99.995% ingot premium, ddp Midwest US, US cents/lb; MB-PB-0006 Lead 99.97% ingot premium, ddp Midwest US, US cents/lb; MB-SN-0011 Tin grade A min 99.85% ingot premium, ddp Midwest US, $/tonne; MB-NI-0240 Nickel 4x4 cathode premium, delivered Midwest US, US cents/lb; MB-NI-0241 Nickel briquette premium, delivered Midwest US, US cents/lb; and the corresponding all-in prices for all of these, including the quality, unit and location.
Fastmarkets will discontinue its assessment of the MB-CU-0410 copper rod premium, ddp Midwest US, US cents per lb, from November 6. After a consultation period, which ended on Wednesday October 8, Fastmarkets will discontinue the premium due to low market liquidity and a lack of demand. Fastmarkets received only neutral or indifferent feedback during the consultation […]
Vitol is expanding its presence in copper trading with senior hires and a cautious, long-term strategy. The move highlights the growing role of metals in energy traders’ portfolios as markets shift post-Ukraine conflict.