The Shanghai Futures Exchange has launched trading in aluminum and zinc options. The new aluminum and zinc options traded for the first time on Monday.

China Aluminum International Trading Group chairman Zhao Jinhua said “Options can well supplement futures. Commodity options can help meet companies’ needs for flexible risk management and lower the cost of hedging, thereby also enhance competitiveness.”

China is the world’s largest production and trading market for non-ferrous metals. Aluminum futures contracts have been listed for 28 years.