MARKET TALK: China Feb Copper Imports To Reach 150,0000 MT

Chinese copper imports will likely hit 150,000 metric tons in February, based on known arrivals, says Macquarie Bank. This will follow a large hike in imports in January, with data showing reported unwrought copper imports up 70% at 147,600 tons. "We estimate that refined imports alone were roughly 132,000 tons (in January), almost double the average monthly imports of 69,000 tons in 2006," Macquarie adds. This reflects an end to cathode destocking, Macquarie notes.