While positive industrial data released by China boosted the demand outlook for the world's largest consumer of metals, copper prices started April higher on Monday.

After registering a rise of 5.4% in March, its largest monthly increase in 16 months, the most traded copper contract in May on the Shanghai Futures Exchange was up 0.7% at 72,850 yuan per ton at 01:46 GMT. An official survey of factories indicated on Sunday that Chinese manufacturing activity increased for the first time in six months in March

SHFE aluminum gained 0.4% to 19,690 yuan per ton, while nickel lost 0.9% to 129,300 yuan, zinc settled at 20,890 yuan, zinc settled at 20,890 yuan, lead fell by 0.7% to 20,890 yuan, lead fell by 0.7% to 16,610 yuan and tin fell by 0.4% to 225,190 yuan.