Copper Rises on Tighter Supply

Copper futures rose above $6.6 per pound on Tuesday, extending gains for a second consecutive session amid ongoing supply-side constraints. Data showed that copper output in top producer Chile fell 9.4% in July from a year earlier, highlighting tightening conditions in global markets. Mining disruptions in Chile, as well as in major producers Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have further fueled concerns over supply. Meanwhile, a recent supply squeeze in London showed signs of easing, with the premium for spot copper over three-month futures narrowing. The London Metal Exchange also reported improving inventories as metal deliveries increased. However, traders 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 futures eased to around $6.55 per pound on Monday, falling for a fourth straight session as the dollar strengthened amid growing expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next month following hawkish remarks from Chair Kevin Warsh. A stronger dollar makes greenback-priced commodities such as copper more expensive for buyers using other currencies, weighing on near-term demand. There were also signs that the supply squeeze may be easing, with the premium for spot copper over three-month futures narrowing. Additionally, LME inventories have improved recently as metal deliveries increased. However, traders continued diverting copper shipments toward the US ahead of potential new import tariffs, tightening supplies in global markets. Mining disruptions in major producers Indonesia, Congo and Chile also added to concerns over supply.

Copper futures slipped to around $6.6 per pound, but stayed close to all-time highs as supply-side risks persisted despite a recent easing of the market squeeze. Traders continued to divert shipments toward the US amid elevated premiums and expectations of new tariffs under the Trump administration, with the White House yet to make a final decision on the matter. Copper inventories in warehouses tracked by the London Metal Exchange have fallen by almost half since mid-May following a 42-day streak of declines. Elsewhere, Zijin Mining warned that flooding at the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo could cut its share of production by as much as 57,000 tons this year, underscoring ongoing risks to global supply. On the demand side, Chinese smelters have faced difficulties securing feedstock, increasing the need for imports.