Copper Surges Above $14,500 as Supply Squeeze Deepens
Copper futures in London reached a record high on Tuesday as expectations of US tariffs drew record volumes from the seaborne market into US warehouses, tightening availability elsewhere despite subdued demand. As we highlighted on Monday, deteriorating conditions across global mining operations are adding to supply woes. Benchmark three-month futures on the LME gained nearly 1% to reach $14,533…
Copper prices reached a record high of $14,533 per ton on Tuesday, as US tariffs prompted a surge in demand for the metal, pushing it into US warehouses and tightening availability. Despite weak demand, the situation has worsened due to challenges in global mining operations, according to market experts. Dr. Copper, a key indicator, is breaking out, but this is primarily a result of tariff-driven scarcity rather than genuine growth.
The metal, crucial for AI and power grid development, has surged 17% this year and 47% over the past 12 months. Commodity strategist Jeff Currie warned that the physical economy is re-pricing scarcity. The record-high price highlights the global scarcity of copper, regardless of existing tonnage. The issue is not just about how many tonnes are available but their accessibility and timely availability.
This scarcity cycle has affected various sectors, from data centers to grid expansion, as supply struggles to keep up with demand. The next phase of this cycle, according to experts, will likely see higher highs across more markets.
Written by urgent.news from OilPrice's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
