Copper Remains Under Pressure

2026-03-16 06:54 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

Copper futures hovered near $5.7 per pound on Monday, holding losses from the past two weeks as a strong dollar and elevated US Treasury yields continued to weigh on the metals complex.

Traders also monitored escalating tensions in the Middle East after the US struck military targets on Iran’s main oil-export hub of Kharg Island over the weekend, heightening supply risks and pushing oil prices higher.

Reports indicated the US may soon announce a coalition of countries to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which could further influence energy markets and global trade flows.

Meanwhile, concerns over slowing demand from China, the world’s largest copper consumer, added pressure, with slowing construction activity weighing on metal consumption.

Higher energy costs and rising inflationary pressures have also lowered expectations that the US Federal Reserve and other major central banks will cut interest rates, creating additional headwinds for non-yielding metals.



News Stream
Copper Remains Under Pressure
Copper futures hovered near $5.7 per pound on Monday, holding losses from the past two weeks as a strong dollar and elevated US Treasury yields continued to weigh on the metals complex. Traders also monitored escalating tensions in the Middle East after the US struck military targets on Iran’s main oil-export hub of Kharg Island over the weekend, heightening supply risks and pushing oil prices higher. Reports indicated the US may soon announce a coalition of countries to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which could further influence energy markets and global trade flows. Meanwhile, concerns over slowing demand from China, the world’s largest copper consumer, added pressure, with slowing construction activity weighing on metal consumption. Higher energy costs and rising inflationary pressures have also lowered expectations that the US Federal Reserve and other major central banks will cut interest rates, creating additional headwinds for non-yielding metals.
2026-03-16
Copper Pressured by Dollar Strength
Copper futures fell below $5.8 per pound on Friday, marking a third consecutive session of losses as the dollar strengthened amid the ongoing war in the Middle East and surging oil prices. The US-Israeli war with Iran showed no signs of easing, with oil prices jumping after Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, pledged to keep the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed while Tehran intensified attacks on regional oil and transport facilities. Heightened forward-looking inflation risks dampened expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, with forecasts now pointing to only one reduction later this year, supporting the dollar. In corporate news, Chinese firm Jiangxi Copper completed the acquisition of SolGold, securing control of the Cascabel copper-gold porphyry project and the company’s broader exploration portfolio in Ecuador, strengthening China’s presence in the country’s strategic resources.
2026-03-13
Copper Declines as Strong Dollar Weighs
Copper futures fell below $5.8 per pound on Thursday, extending losses from the previous session, pressured by a stronger dollar as rising oil prices reignited inflation concerns. Oil climbed for a second day as the prospect of a protracted Iran war overshadowed a coordinated release of oil reserves by major economies. Forward-looking inflationary risks dampened expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, with forecasts pointing to only one reduction later this year, bolstering the dollar. On the trade front, the Trump administration launched new investigations into China, the EU, and other economies, aimed at replacing President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs recently struck down by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, opportunistic dip-buying by Chinese fabricators provided some support, driven by demand from the construction and renewable energy sectors.
2026-03-12