METALS-London copper near 3-week high on hopes of US-China tensions easing

NEW DELHI, April 23 (Reuters) - Copper prices in London hit a near three-week high on Wednesday following U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about a trade deal with China, signalling a de-escalation in tensions, but a stronger dollar limited sharper gains.

The benchmark three-month copper CMCU3 on the London Metal Exchange (LME) was up 0.6% at $9,427 per metric ton, as of 0706 GMT. It briefly hit $9,481.5 per metric ton, the highest since April 3.

The most-traded copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) rose 1.2% to 77,890 yuan ($10,677.03) per metric ton.

Trump also told reporters he would be very nice in negotiations with Beijing and that tariffs on imports from the country would fall significantly following a deal, but not to zero.

"Comments from Trump suggesting a reduction in China tariffs leave room for de-escalation on the trade front," ING analysts said.

Aiding sentiment on Wednesday were comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that also suggested a possible de-escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions.

Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar rose sharply and then steadied on Wednesday as Trump backed away from threats of firing Federal Reserve Chair and optimism around trade deals lifted sentiment.USD/

A stronger dollar makes commodities priced in the U.S. currency costlier for buyers using other currencies.

"Ultimately, a sustained recovery in risk assets, as well as the U.S. dollar, relies, realistically, on deals being done between the U.S. and its major trading partners, especially China, and a major watering down of trade policies," said Kyle Rodda, senior financial market analyst at Capital.com.

Among other metals, LME aluminium CMAL3 added 1.4% to $2,412.5 a ton, lead CMPB3 rose 0.4% to $1,932, tin CMSN3 was up 0.3% at $31,205, zinc CMZN3 was up 1.7% to $2,641, and nickel CMNI3 firmed 0.7% at $15,795 a ton.

SHFE aluminium <SAFcv1> firmed 0.5% to 19,860 yuan a ton, zinc SZNcv1 added 0.97% to 22,460 yuan, lead SPBcv1 eased 0.3% to 16,910 yuan, while nickel SNIcv1 was up 0.6% at 126,240 yuan, tin SSNcv1 added 0.2% to 259,320 yuan.

($1 = 7.2951 yuan)

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