Copper prices surge to record $6.71 amid U.S. tariff concerns and tight inventories.
Copper prices have reached an all-time high of $6.71 per pound, driven by concerns over potential U.S. import tariffs and tight global inventories. The U.S. Commerce Department is expected to decide on a 15% tariff on refined copper from January 1, 2027, escalating to 30% from 2028, which has led traders to stockpile copper in U.S. warehouses, tightening supply elsewhere. Additionally, a significant increase in cancelled warrants on the London Metal Exchange (LME) has further intensified supply concerns.
Key points
- U.S. tariff threat prompts traders to stockpile copper in U.S. warehouses, tightening global supply.
- LME records a 51,400-ton increase in cancelled warrants, indicating heightened withdrawal requests and supply concerns.
- Copper prices fall as stronger dollar and U.S. rate uncertainty offset supply concerns.
- Copper slips as stronger dollar outweighs fresh supply concerns.
Sources
- US tariff threat upends copper surplus as prices test all-time peakKitco News · August 25, 2026
- Copper: Tight inventories sustain price support – INGTMGM · August 25, 2026
- Copper prices fall on stronger dollar and uncertainty about U.S. ratesEnergy News · August 25, 2026
- Copper slips as stronger dollar outweighs fresh supply concernsEconomies.com · August 25, 2026
AI-generated from public news sources. Not financial advice.