China is expanding access to its futures markets by opening five additional new commodities in Shanghai to international traders, according to a statement released by the China Securities Regulatory Commission on Jan 23.

The Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) will designate nickel futures and options as specific domestic varieties accessible to foreign investors.

Its subsidiary, the Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE), will open access to options to technically specified rubber (TSR) 20, low-sulfur fuel oil, and international copper.

Nickel futures will become the SHFE's first refined non-ferrous metal futures product directly accessible to overseas participants. With the addition of these contracts, the INE will now offer options across all of its mature product categories.

An SHFE representative said the move marks a significant step forward in the exchange's internationalization.

The SHFE introduced its general international business rules on Aug 8, 2025, implementing systematic international transformations to 34 business rules covering market access, trading, settlement, risk control, and delivery.

Since 2019, the INE has progressively launched futures contracts for TSR 20, low-sulfur fuel oil, and international copper futures contracts. The introduction of options trading is expected to further benefit companies in managing risk.

The SHFE is continuing preparations for the broader internationalization of nickel futures and options, as well as options linked to TSR 20, low-sulfur fuel oil, and international copper. The exchange plans to expand product offerings, improve market operations, optimize rules, strengthen market development, enhance technical support, and improve delivery services.

Source: Shanghai Observer