LME base metals prices remain positive except lead; nickel gains over 6%

  • Base metals prices on LME remained positive barring lead as of the last closing. The highest gain was seen in nickel – 6.4% – amid the New Caledonia protests.
  • The copper rally has triggered a squeeze, as prices hit a record high of $11,400/t, disrupting market equilibrium and raising concerns.
  • China’s April aluminum imports surged 72.1%, driven by robust consumption, with Russia contributing significantly despite sanctions.