Market Watch: China imports of crude, iron ore fall from record highs
September 11th, 2009
This is clear evidence that the Chinese were stock piling oil, copper and iron ore. I believe this was done in large part to generate the perception of economic activity. Otherwise, this information is wildly inconsistent with the most recent Chinese reports of manufacturing activity and retail sales.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/china-imports-of-crude-iron-ore-fall-from-record-2009-09-11