China’s import premiums for copper cathode are in free fall, and market sentiment remained very low in current unfavorable import condition. Premiums in other regions held unmoved.

Base metals prices on London Metal Exchange were up across the board this morning, Wednesday April 21, but those on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were mainly weaker, as were broader markets, while haven assets were bid for.

Base metals prices on London Metal Exchange were stronger across the board this morning, Tuesday April 20, but those on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were mixed, as were broader markets, following weakness on Wall Street on Monday.

Several major Chinese metal producers bought zinc and gold concentrates produced in North Korea in 2019, despite economic sanctions, a court ruling has revealed.

Nickel briquette has steadily become a more favored choice of feedstock for Chinese battery-grade nickel sulfate producers in recent months, resulting in a notable pick-up in spot trading activity for the former.

Spot prices for imported ferrous scrap in China were stable on Friday April 16 even with Chinese steel mills continuing to seek out cargoes of HRS101, the Chinese grade for plate and structural scrap.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were for the most part stronger this morning, Friday April 16, supported by robust economic data, while the base metals on the London Metal Exchange were consolidating after yesterday’s strength, which followed strong US data.

The first shipment of iron ore to leave Angola since 1976 left the Cutato mine in Cuando Cubango province by rail on April 10-11, according to Jamie van Reijendam, general manager of global trade at London trading house Ronly

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange have been edging higher in recent days, although this morning, Thursday April 15, they were looking mixed, while those on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were for the most part firmer.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange and Shanghai Futures Exchange were mixed this morning, Wednesday April 14, and broader markets were pleased US consumer prices did not shock to the upside, but markets are likely to remain wary in case corporate earnings do not live up to high expectations.