Copper Prices Supported by Supply Concerns

Copper futures were at $6.5 per pound on Wednesday, holding most of the pullback from the record-high of $6.7 on August 25th, as macroeconomic headwinds momentarily offset the impact of supply shortages. Long-term bond yields surged as energy prices rebounded and markets took heed of widening public deficits, hurting the outlook for broad manufacturing and driving base metal price to ease. Still, fresh escalation to the war in the Middle East prolonged pressure on global supply of sulfuric acid, triggering shortages of the key material for copper refiners. This was magnified by lingering concerns that the US presidential administration is could impose tariffs on unprocessed copper goods triggered a surge in buying to front-load deliveries. Consequently, backwardation curves steepened both in major Western copper exchanges.

Copper fell toward $6.4 per pound on Wednesday, hitting its lowest level in a month as rising oil prices and global bond yields kept inflationary risks and interest rate concerns in focus, weighing on the demand outlook. Oil prices advanced for a third consecutive session amid escalating hostilities between the US and Iran, complicating efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Global bond yields climbed on mounting inflationary pressures and worsening fiscal conditions, reinforcing expectations that major central banks may need to raise interest rates soon. Higher borrowing costs could eventually slow global economic growth, dampening demand for industrial metals such as copper. Still, tight global copper supply offered some support, with top producer Chile reporting a 9.4% decline in output in July. Traders also continued redirecting copper shipments toward the US ahead of potential new import tariffs, with the White House yet to make a decision on the issue.

Copper decreased to 6.42 USD/Lbs, the lowest since July 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Copper lost 1.48%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 41.3%.