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 publication of Fastmarkets’ European steel beams and sections assessments for Wednesday April 15 was delayed due to a reporter error. Fastmarkets’ pricing database has been updated.
Fastmarkets has launched a suite broker/processor and ex-works prices to service the domestic and export Mexican stainless steel scrap markets respectively.
Fastmarkets has decided to make changes and clarifications to its methodologies for nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) black mass price assessments, including name changes, to bring them into closer alignment with current spot market specifications.
The decision follows a one-month consultation period, which ended on April 6. Please note that Fastmarkets will increase the publication frequency to weekly from what was originally proposed. This frequency change is in line with feedback received during the proposal phase. This frequency change follows changes in Brazil’s import environment, including the introduction of anti-dumping measures […]
Fastmarkets is proposing to launch new price series for its benchmark European PIX Pulp gross prices and North American effective list pulp prices from June 1, 2026. The new prices would run concurrently alongside existing prices for one year before the existing prices with higher discount levels are discontinued on June 1, 2027.
The rationale for MB-FEN-0003 Ferro-nickel premium/discount, 26-32% Ni contained, cif China, had erroneously stated that the price was assessed on Monday April 12. This has been corrected to Monday April 13. The published price is unaffected by this change. This price is a part of the Fastmarkets ores and alloys package. For more information or to […]