LME Approves First Warehouses in Hong Kong to Boost Asian Metal Trade

Hong Kong Joins LME’s Global Metal Storage Network

The London Metal Exchange (LME) has approved its first four official warehouse sites in Hong Kong, marking a major expansion into Asia’s financial and logistics hub. This move follows the LME’s earlier decision in January to list Hong Kong as a new warehouse location.

By partnering with established logistics providers, the LME aims to streamline regional metal delivery and strengthen global supply chain efficiency. This development also enhances access to key metals like aluminum, copper, and nickel.

Strategic Partnerships Fuel New Warehousing Capacity

Three warehousing partnerships will operate the four approved locations, all meeting strict LME requirements. Singapore-based GKE Metal Logistics will team up with China Resources Logistics, a Hong Kong company, to run two warehouses. These sites will store a range of LME-warranted metals including primary aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, nickel, lead, tin, and zinc.

Additionally, UK-based Henry Diaper & Co. Ltd. and Sinotrans (HK) Warehousing Ltd. will manage a facility storing aluminum alloy, lead, tin, and zinc. A third team—PGS (East Asia) Pte. Ltd. and SF Supply Chain (Hong Kong) Ltd.—will operate a site accepting all seven listed metals.

According to Matthew Chamberlain, CEO of the LME, “This rapid approval reflects strong interest from warehouse operators and metal owners.” He also emphasized that Hong Kong now holds a vital role as a gateway to Mainland China’s metal markets.

Asia’s Rising Importance in Global Metal Flows

These LME-approved warehouses align with Hong Kong’s ambitions to lead in global metals trade. The new facilities are expected to begin storing LME-warranted metals within three months, after final inspections and logistics preparations.

At SuperMetalPrice, we continue to track the LME’s expansion and how it impacts regional aluminum and base metal pricing. As Hong Kong becomes an integral part of the LME ecosystem, metals market participants across Asia will benefit from improved access, reduced transit times, and enhanced market transparency.