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At Any Rate

Global Commodities: Copper — From tariffs to tightness

Feb 28, 2025
The discussion dives into the dynamics of the copper market, highlighting limited supply growth amidst resilient global demand. Current slack in China's economy poses risks for near-term price pulls, but a tightening forecast looms for 2025 and 2026. The potential for inventory buildups in the U.S. adds complexity, hinting at a world short on copper. The hosts project prices could reach $10,400/mt as demand pressures intensify, setting the stage for exciting developments in the commodity landscape.
11:23

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Copper prices surged due to tariff policies but may face near-term pullbacks as Chinese demand weakens post-Lunar New Year.
  • A projected slowdown in copper mine supply growth, alongside stable global demand, is expected to tighten the market significantly by 2025.

Deep dives

Factors Influencing Copper Prices

Copper prices have experienced a significant rise, achieving nearly a 7% increase year-to-date, largely due to market reactions to U.S.-China tariff policies. Expectations of immediate and aggressive tariffs under the Trump administration initially raised concerns, but the slower-than-anticipated implementation has eased market fears. Consequently, copper prices surged from approximately $8,800 a ton to around $9,600 by mid-February. However, despite this rally, there are cautionary signs that prices may not be fundamentally justified in the short term, particularly as Chinese demand shows signs of weakening compared to typical recovery patterns post-Lunar New Year.

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