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As SHFE copper prices rebounded, some hedged copper was locked out of spot markets, helping copper discounts stabilize between negative RMB 100-220/mt in the morning business. Traded prices for standard-quality copper were between RMB 57,580-57,640/mt, and RMB 57,650-57,720/mt for high-quality copper. Market players held divergence over future copper prices. Most cargo-holders chose to sell for cash ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday, while downstream producers still sourced to need at lows. Market deals thus were largely contributed by traders. In the afternoon, more hedged copper was locked out of spot markets now that SHFE copper prices drifted higher, with mainstream copper discounts between negative RMB 120-220/mt. Traded prices surged to RMB 57,650-57,800/mt in the afternoon, and downstream producers refrained from buying at highs, resulting in muted market activity. SHFE copper stocks decreased by 528 mt to 208,568 mt in the week ending January 18.
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