Tariffs and Copper: Navigating Uncertainty

Tom welcomes global economic consultant Simon Hunt back to the show. Simon provides a comprehensive analysis of current geopolitical and economic tensions, focusing on potential conflicts and economic challenges facing the world. The discussion centers on the upcoming Putin-Trump summit, which Hunt believes will likely produce no substantial outcomes, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict expected to continue and be ultimately decided on the battlefield. Hunt suggests significant geopolitical risks exist, particularly in the Middle East, with potential escalations involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Simon emphasizes that Washington’s broader strategic objective is to prevent the BRICS nations from maturing into a genuine opposition to the current unilateral world order. The upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in September could be a pivotal moment in reshaping global dynamics. Economically, Hunt warns of potential recessionary pressures, with particular concerns about Europe’s financial stability. He notes that China’s economy is experiencing weakening demand, with manufacturing sectors showing signs of strain.

The implementation of tariffs and trade uncertainties are creating significant business hesitation and potential long-term economic disruptions. Regarding inflation, Hunt predicts a potential inflationary surge by mid-2025, potentially reaching double-digit levels by 2027-2028. He highlights food prices as a critical indicator, with the FAO food price index showing concerning upward trends. The potential for war and continued monetary stimulus could exacerbate these inflationary pressures.

In the commodities sector, particularly copper, Hunt anticipates a market correction with prices potentially falling to around $7,000 before potentially doubling by 2027-2028. He suggests that war could paradoxically become a driver of copper consumption.

Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:00 – Trump/Putin Outcomes
00:08:47 – Europe & Putin’s Interests
00:12:43 – Conflict Could Escalate
00:13:50 – Middle East Tensions
00:21:20 – China, Trade, & Taiwan
00:23:05 – War, Recession, or Both?
00:25:53 – Econ. Outlook For China
00:31:04 – Black Swans Or Grey Rhinos
00:33:06 – Recession & Moar Stimulus
00:36:20 – Inflation – Cause & Effect
00:40:48 – Tariffs & Chaotic Prices
00:42:08 – Copper, Equities, Liquidation
00:45:55 – Copper Price Spikes
00:47:19 – Trade Avoiding The U.S.
00:50:26 – Concluding Thoughts

Guest Links:
E-Mail: mailto:simon@shss.com
Website: https://simon-hunt.com/
Report: https://www.theinstitutionalstrategist.com/products-and-services/frontline-china/

Simon Hunt began his career in 1956 in Central Africa as a PA to the Chairman of Rhodesian Selection Trust, one of the two large copper companies in what was then Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia.

In 1961, he came back to London and joined Anglo American Corporation of South Africa as a PA to one of the Board Directors, followed by being part of a small sales and marketing team for copper. From there, he helped start up a new copper development organization, CIDEC, financed by copper producers, which he then joined, focusing on conducting end-use studies of copper in Europe.

He then went into the City to gain financial experience and founded Brook Hunt in 1975. He was instrumental in setting up the company’s cost studies and end-use analyses. Simon appeared as material witness and consultant in two ITC anti-dumping cases in 1978 and 1984, winning both at the commission level.

He has spent 2-4 months every year in China since 1993, and until a few years ago would be visiting some 80 wire and cable and brass mill factories across the country every year. He now restricts these factory visits to a smaller number, all of which he has known for many years. Simon also spends many weeks each year traveling around Asia.

The focus of the company’s services is on the global economy, including the changing geopolitical and financial structures, China’s economy and its copper sector, and then the global copper industry as each part is interconnected.

Simon established this company in January 1996.