Copper slips on firmer dollar, supported by supply worries

Copper prices dipped on Wednesday, influenced by a stronger dollar and concerns about potential mine disruptions, although the declines were limited due to robust demand and worries over possible mine shutdowns. The benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange fell 0.1% to $14,405.50 per metric ton as of 0950 GMT. Copper has risen 16% this year, primarily due to large shipments to the US before possible tariffs on refined copper, leading to shortages in other regions.

Nitesh Shah, a commodity strategist at WisdomTree, noted that the dollar's strength exerts downside pressure on metals, as the U.S. is unlikely to raise interest rates in October, but future hikes could continue to exert pressure on the market. The dollar index increased, driven by rising oil prices, making dollar-denominated industrial metals more costly for buyers in foreign currencies.

Despite China's real estate challenges, copper demand remains strong, with the metal being consumed for electrification projects. Copper inventories in London Metal Exchange registered warehouses have dropped by 36% since early June, while Shanghai Futures Exchange storage stocks have declined by 79% over the same period. The Shanghai exchange will reopen upon the country's return from National Day holidays on Thursday.

Copper benefited from a potential strike at Chile's Centinela copper mine, where workers were about to walk out after negotiations between two unions and Antofagasta Minerals stalled, adding to copper supply worries. Aluminum declined by 0.5% to $3,118 per ton as the dollar's rise offset supply risks related to heightened Middle East tensions.

Zinc slipped 0.4% to $3,753 per ton, while lead rose 0.4% to $1,880 per ton. Nickel gained 0.5% to $15,755 per ton, and tin increased slightly by 0.2% to $54,300 per ton.