China’s commodities imports record solid gains in March on upswing in seasonal demand

China’s commodities imports recorded solid gains in March on an upswing in seasonal demand. This validates the recent improvement in industrial activities and bodes well for imports in coming months amid rising fixed asset investment and policy measures to support retail spending.

Crude oil imports were steady despite maintenance related closures in key refineries. Oil imports in Q1 increased strongly as lower oil prices encouraged refineries to replenish their depleted stocks. Natural gas imports remained at elevated levels, with low prices likely to have supported demand.

Demand for copper remained strong. Imports of copper concentrate rose 24.9 percent y/y to 1.8mt. When combined with primary copper and products, total imports of copper was up 12.4 percent y/y. This should dispel any myths that copper demand has been soft in China post the Chinese New Year holidays, ANZ Research reported

Iron ore imports rebounded month on month, as steel mills restocked in light of disruptions to Brazilian output. Coal imports rebounded from February but remained weak on a seasonal basis as import restrictions continued to impact trade.

Meanwhile, soybeans imports were weaker than expected. Imports are seen increasing in the coming months as demand picks up from the hog industry, the report added.