Refining charges (RCs) on blister copper imported into China stayed at high levels in February, with buyers snapping up tonnages on the well-supplied domestic spot market.
China purchased several thousand tonnes of 98-99% blister copper, mainly from African producers, at RCs of $200-210 per tonne cif last month, according to Metal Bulletin's assessment.Metal Bulletin introduced its monthly RC assessment for 98-99% blister copper on February 28, intending to provide a regular tracker of the increasingly popular intermediate product in refined copper production."Looking at the orders we have received, Chinese imports of blister copper should be higher for the first half this year compared to a year ago, keeping RCs at high levels. Chinese demand for cathodes is quite stable and healthy," a leading producer of blister copper told Metal Bulletin. Blister copper, which...