MARKET TALK: China Dec Copper Imports Up; Bullish Signal

Preliminary customs data indicate China began to buy more copper in end-2006, as market speculated earlier, as LME, SHFE price ratio profitable for importing amid low domestic inventory. Imports of copper, its semi-finished products in December at 206,808 tons, 18.5% higher from November, or 10% of total imports last year. "The data may lend support to LME 3-month, and as it indicates China's demand still strong, imports likely continue to rise in coming months," says analyst in Shanghai.