Copper rose in London amid another large decline in LME stocks, and as the market remained underpinned by easing worries over US economic growth after the Federal Reserve softened its stance on monetary tightening earlier this week.

At 12.31 pm, LME copper for three-month delivery was at 6,810 usd a tonne against 6,720 usd at the close yesterday.

Copper gained around 1.8 pct yesterday after Chinese customs data for February showed imports of the metal nearly doubled from a year ago, and as worries over US economic growth continued to ease.

The metal made further gains in Asia earlier and has continued higher in London, underpinned by further large falls in inventory held by the London Metal Exchange.

The LME said in a daily report earlier copper stocks in its warehouses fell by 4,125 tonnes to 183,650 tonnes, with only 168,100 tonnes immediately available to the market.

"The reality is that stocks at under 170,000 tonnes are around 3-4 days of consumption and hence tight enough to continue to inspire prices higher in the short term," said JP Morgan analyst Michael Jansen.

Separately, the metal continues to benefit from improved Chinese demand and from speculation a Fed rate cut could be in the offing now that the bank has softened its stance on monetary tightening.

"Further gains (in copper) could come quickly as we believe further short covering from the macro funds will be seen," said UBS Investment Bank analyst Robin Bhar.

He noted yesterday's import data from China, which underlined improving demand from the world's biggest copper consumer, has come at a time when demand in the northern hemisphere is also rising ahead of the second quarter.

The second quarter is traditionally a stronger demand period in the northern hemisphere as countries, especially in western Europe, tend to process higher volumes of metal before they embark on long summer vacations.

Nickel was down at 44,250 usd a tonne against 45,150 usd, giving back some of the gains made yesterday after Chinese customs data showed a near record level of imports into China in February

"Overall, while global stocks are tight and demand remains solid, a significant pullback in the price is not likely but any signs of a moderation in global stainless steel production could have quick and painful ramifications," said Jansen.

Aluminium was flat at 2,780 usd a tonne, with analysts saying the metal will struggle to forge new highs as stockpiles remain plentiful. Today's LME data showed stocks rose another 4,525 tonnes to total 810,475 tonnes.

Other metals were all higher. Zinc was up at 3,242 usd a tonne against 3,200 usd, lead was up at 1,935 usd against 1,925 usd while tin was up at 14,325 usd against 14,050 usd.