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RPT-LME to authorize Hong Kong for warehousing by end-2024, sources state

The London Metal Exchange ( LME) is set to approve the expansion of its international metals warehousing network into Hong Kong before completion of this year, 3 sources with knowledge of the matter stated, opening the door to mainland China.

Registering warehouses in China, the world's biggest consumer of commercial metals, to keep metal traded on the LME has been a strategic aim because Hong Kong Exchanges and Cleaning ( HKEx) bought the LME in 2012 for $2.2 billion.

Broadening into Hong Kong would indicate a considerable increase to LME trading volumes.

In a discussion made to the LME's warehousing committee last December, seen , the exchange said companies in the region had actually indicated interest in Hong Kong as a place to store industrial metals as an option to mainland China.

An LME warehouse in Hong Kong could be viewed as a display for in-depth cooperation in between Mainland China and Hong Kong, the discussion stated.

The LME is actively checking out listing Hong Kong as an LME storage facility location, as part of our dedication to guarantee we provide optimum international connectivity for the metals community, the LME said in response to a request for remark.

The procedure for listing a new location in a new jurisdiction may take some time, however we are making great development ... and we want to be able to provide an more in-depth update by completion of the year.

Given that revealing this potential development in LME Asia Week, the LME has received very favorable feedback from HK logistics business and other stakeholders.

The LME has actually been working to identify websites that might measure up to those that have long gained from proximity to China including Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan - all are significant storage places of LME-deliverable metals.

One source with knowledge of the matter said the LME was working with Hong Kong authorities on metal warehousing space at the port, as a momentary step.

The aim is to ultimately move inwards to the New Territories, much easier for the trucks coming from China, the source said.

3 sources said the exchange had actually been looking at a number of sites additional inland in Hong Kong's New Territory area.

Some zinc and copper producers in Southern China, near to the border and the mainland, have revealed interest in saving metal in Hong Kong, a 2nd source with understanding stated.

The second source said some areas in New Territories could be utilized for storage facilities at a reasonable expense, but some facilities including roadways will need to be constructed.

A third source stated the LME wants its authorized warehouse companies to subcontract local firms.

(source: Reuters)