China's Imports of Copper Anode Decreased in September

SHANGHAI, Nov 1 (SMM) - In September 2022, China imported 84,800 mt of copper anode, down 16.67% MoM but up 31.88% YoY. From January to September, the imports totalled 907,000 mt, up 28.82% YoY. The lower copper anode imports were caused by the decreased import volume from Zambia, Congo (DRC) and South Africa. In September, China’s copper anode imports from Zambia stood at 34,000 mt, down 33.9% or about 17,600 mt MoM; imports from Congo (DRC) were 13,200 mt, down 9.50% or around 1,400 mt MoM; and imports from South Africa were 9,900 mt, down 3.41% or about 400 mt MoM.

SMM survey showed that in July and August, Kansanshi smelter in Zambia and LCS smelter in Congo (DRC) were under maintenance. Besides, production accident in CCS also reduced the imports of blister copper in September. On October 6, workers under Transnet, the South African state-owned logistics group, launched a strike due to labour disputes, which hindered the operations at Durban Port which handles 65% of South Africa's container traffic and cast a negative impact on the copper anode exports in Africa. At present, the port operation is recovering in an orderly manner, and the operation will be fully resumed in early November.