China approval risk hangs over Glencore talks
London, Jan 16, 2026, 07:55 GMT — Premarket
- On Thursday, Rio Tinto shares ended the day at 6,468 pence, rising 1.78%.
- Analysts suggest China might require asset divestitures to approve a Rio-Glencore merger.
- Rio has refocused on copper following a supply deal with Amazon and a fresh collaboration plan with BHP.
Rio Tinto plc shares (RIO.L) head into Friday’s London session with China casting a shadow over any potential deal with Glencore. Analysts warn Beijing might demand asset sales to greenlight a merger. Barrenjoey’s Glyn Lawcock suggested China could leverage the talks to “squeeze out assets,” pointing out the merged company would represent around 17% of global copper supply. Barclays, however,…
