See the year over year changes for the most clear indication - imports have absolutely skyrocketed and exports have basically gone to zero (and you can imagine demand is down enormously, so this truly is a stockpiling).
China has already announced that its stockpiling program is coming to a close. We suspect we am not the only interested observer over the next few months:
The figures are in metric tons. Percentage changes are from the year-earlier period.
May % Change YTD % Change
Copper
Imports 337,230 258% 1,403,456 130%
Exports 160 -99% 1,121 -98%
Aluminum
Imports 259,095 2,414% 737,250 1,143%
Exports 258 -94% 4,052 -84%
Zinc
Imports 95,631 398% 412,239 656%
Exports 10 -100% 4,188 -88%
Lead
Imports 25,418 43,333% 110,095 1,902%
Exports 1,729 -46% 5,947 -80%
Nickel
Imports 25,032 127% 78,995 37%
Exports 411 -45% 2,019 -21%
Tin
Imports 3,360 160% 12,579 100%
Exports -- -100% 57 -85%
