MUMBAI: India copper futures were almost steady on Thursday evening as support from a weak dollar was offset by a drop in copper imports by China, the world's largest consumer, analysts said. The most-active copper June contract was trading 0.46 percent higher at 297.40 rupees per kg, recovering from a low of 294.8 rupees hit earlier. "Sell copper close to 301, targeting 292/285 rupees, maintaining a stop loss of 292," said Navneet Damani, analyst with Anand Rathi Commodities. On Thursday, risk appetite across global markets looked improving with euro rising after the head of China's national pension fund said the currency would weather Europe's debt crisis and European shares turned positive. China's copper imports at around 397,000 tonnes came in slightly below forecasts, but analysts had expected a drop from April's 436,345 tonnes as measures to cool growth rates and slow property speculation took hold. Three-month London copper was trading 0.37 percent higher at $6,350 a tonne. Among other base metals, zinc June was trading 0.91 percent lower at 81.25 rupees per kg, while lead for June delivery was trading 1.09 percent higher at 78.95 rupees per kg. Support is at 79 in zinc, prices may rise towards 81/82 rupees, said India Infoline in a report. Nickel for June delivery was trading 0.82 percent higher at 904.50 rupees per kg. Selling could be done in Nickel at 920 rupees, targeting 890, maintaining a stop loss of 935 rupees, said Damani.

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