LME to Raise Fees by an Average of 4.7% in 2025

The London Metal Exchange (LME) announced yesterday that it plans to increase its fees by an average of 4.7% next year, but there will be no increase in trading fees on the floor of the open outcry auction. This increase is less than the average 13% fee increase implemented in 2024. According to the announcement from the world's oldest and largest industrial metal market, base trading and clearing fees will rise between 0% and 6.5% in 2025. The statement noted, “LME Group will implement a series of fee increases to support its ongoing investments to strengthen its market and continue to reflect inflation.” Owned by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, the LME indicated that it would not increase fees for transactions on the ring, one of the last physical trading floors in the world, to support the physical market. LME, which has lagged behind competing exchanges in the trading of battery metals, has extended its fee waiver for futures contracts on lithium and cobalt.