METALS-Copper slips on China trade data and stronger dollar

(Updates prices) By Polina Devitt LONDON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Copper prices in London eased on Tuesday under pressure from a slowdown in China's export growth and a stronger dollar while the market awaits more clues on China's 2025 key targets. Three-month copper CMCU3 on the London Metal Exchange (LME) was down 0.1% at $9,218 a metric ton by 1733 GMT. The contract closed at its highest in nearly a month on Monday after top metals consumer China said it would take more action to boost its economy. For copper, used in power and construction, this support faded on Tuesday as data showed that China's total exports growth missed expectations, imports unexpectedly shrank in November while concern over prospects for China's construction sector persists. The focus is now on China's Central Economic Work Conference meeting this week for more clarity on the next year's key targets and potential economy stimulus measures. "It will take more than just stimulus measures to fully rejuvenate economic growth," analysts at broker Sucden Financial said in a note. China's November copper imports, however, hit a one-year high, customs data showed, supported by restocking amid expanding manufacturing activity and lower prices for the metal. Prices for copper, down 9% since touching a four-month peak of $10,158 on Sept. 30, are expected to reach $9,700 by the end of 2025, Commerzbank analysts said. The U.S. currency strengthened, making dollar-priced metals less attractive for buyers holding other currencies, as traders looked ahead to a U.S. inflation reading on Wednesday for further clues on the pace of Federal Reserve easing. FRX/ In other metals, LME aluminium CMAL3 rose 1.1% to $2,613.50 a metric ton, zinc CMZN3 added 0.7% to $3,147, lead CMPB3 eased by 0.2% to $2,062.50 and tin CMSN3 fell 0.5% to $29,685. Nickel CMNI3 dropped 1.1% to $15,815 under pressure from oversupply. Major producer Nornickel expects the surplus in the global nickel market to remain at 150,000 tons in 2025. (Reporting by Polina Devitt in London; additional reporting by Neha Arora; Editing by Vijay Kishore and David Goodman ) (([email protected]; Reuters Messaging: [email protected]))