Copper import and export trade cost estimation

Import cost = (LME futures price ± spot premium + premium) * exchange rate * 1.02 * 1.17 + other costs

The LME futures price refers to the price of the third Wednesday contract in Hong Kong;

The insurance premium is usually around $50 (06 level);

Tariff 2%, VAT 17%;

Other expenses include bank fees, customs declarations, commodity inspections, short-term calls, etc., about 170-180 yuan (2006 level).


Export cost = [(LME futures price + trade premium) * exchange rate - other expenses] * 1.17

The LME futures price refers to the price of the third Wednesday of the delivery month;

The premium for export trade is usually around $30 (the bonded warehouse delivery) (06 level);

VAT refunded;

Other expenses include customs declaration, short-call, etc., about 150 yuan (2006 level).


China is a country with shortage of copper resources. Before 2000 exports were subject to export tariffs, and VAT refunds were only 13%. Therefore, the above export cost measurement does not apply to the market situation before 2000.