Australia-origin copper concentrates bound for China are being diverted on the water and ahead of shipment next year, after Chinese buyers were reportedly told to comply with an "unofficial order" to restrict the material's entry this week.
Europe, Japan, India and Southeast Asia have been tabled as potential alternative destinations to receive offers of the concentrates, either by spot sales or through swaps for China-deliverable qualities, at this crucial time of annual contract negotiations.Cargoes that make the trip but arrive too late are likely to incur losses with material...