SHANGHAI, Nov. 27 (SMM) – China imported 205,000 tonnes of lead concentrate in October, up 16.2% from a year earlier and recording year’s second high, Customs reported.

High operating rate and stock building for winter led to large demand for concentrate. Average operating rate at domestic 47 major lead smelters hit 66.52%, recording a new high for this year.

Imported concentrate enjoys clear price advantages, boosting imports. Profits for imported materials came at 1,200 yuan per tonne (Pb content) above domestic concentrate in September, narrowing 100 yuan per tonne (Pb content) from August. This still left fat profits for smelters. 

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