MARKET TALK: China Copper Imports Data May Support Sentiment

China preliminary data for copper, semi-finished copper products imports in March at 307,740 tons, vs 239,772 tons for February, may fuel bullish sentiment on futures market; "the data indicate domestic market demand is strong, despite the rise of prices since February. We're likely to see LME 3-month copper hit 8,000 dollars a ton soon," says Wang Zheng at Dalu Futures. Shanghai Futures Exchange benchmark June contract at CNY71,160, +CNY2,200; LME 3-month metal at $7,760/ton, +$430 from last London close Thursday.(