By Ion Jauregui - ActivTrades Analyst
The copper market is going through a decisive phase, influenced by political and economic factors that could alter its behavior in the coming months. The return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency and his reactivation of tariff policies has generated expectations of a new record in the price of the red metal since the beginning of the year. Executives of the copper sector indicated at that time that its value could exceed 13,000 dollars per ton (approximately 404.35 dollars per ounce). One troy ounce is equivalent to 31.1034768 grams; therefore, there are 32.15074657 troy ounces in 1 kg. This means that the value of copper is multiplied by 32.1 times, a level that was already surpassed on Tuesday with its current price at 517 dollars per ounce.
United States accumulates copper while China suffers shortages
Trade tensions have led to a redistribution of global supply. It is estimated that 500,000 tons are being diverted to the U.S., which is drastically reducing stocks in China, the world's largest consumer. This supply imbalance could put further pressure on prices.
Factors driving the rise in copper prices
1. Electrification and renewable energies: The growing adoption of electric vehicles and the expansion of electric infrastructures increase the demand for copper.
2. Production constraints: Chile and Peru, the world's leading producers, face disruptions due to labor disputes, environmental regulations and lower investment in mining infrastructure.
3. U.S. trade policy: Tighter tariffs have encouraged the accumulation of reserves in the U.S. and other countries, further restricting global supply and putting upward pressure on prices.
4. Restrictions on the export of scrap from the EU: The European Union is evaluating the implementation of tariffs on the export of scrap, which could impact the supply of raw material for the production of refined copper. This measure seeks to strengthen the domestic industry and reduce dependence on third countries, but could also affect the global supply of the metal.
5. Geopolitical instability: International conflicts, trade sanctions and changes in central banks' monetary policies influence copper prices. Industrial demand from China continues to be a determining factor in the market equation.
Copper price outlook
In 2021, the metal reached an all-time high of $10,700 per tonne at $505 per ounce. Now, with the combination of growing demand and increasingly tight supply, the market could surpass this level. The evolution of trade policies and China's response will be decisive in its trajectory. Looking at the chart, it reached a new high of $518.45 on Monday. The current price oscillates between $510 and $512, showing an accumulation structure by institutional traders initiated in the last impulse of March 11. The control point (POC) is distant at around $477 per ounce, and the volume distribution shows a third dominance zone near $512. Since March 11, the golden crossover of the moving averages has facilitated bullish expansion, although the 50-average has brushed the 100-average on several occasions. Currently, both averages are in price confluence, which coincides with an RSI that has corrected from 71.84% to 54.40%. This movement could indicate the possibility of a new upward momentum that takes the price above $535.
Impact of tariff measures on the industry.
If Trump ultimately ends up implementing new tariffs on industrial metals, it could drastically alter the flow of global copper trade. Tariffs on imports could incentivize domestic copper mining in the U.S. and raise costs for importers, affecting the competitiveness of manufacturing companies. On the other hand, China may be forced to diversify its sources of supply or develop technological alternatives to reduce its dependence on imported copper.
In addition, restrictions on the export of scrap by the European Union could influence the availability of recycled copper, a key source for industrial production in China and other markets. The EU seeks to reduce the leakage of strategic materials, which could lead to higher prices on the international market for all rare metals and materials.
Conclusion
Copper is at a turning point. The combination of production restrictions, increased global demand and protectionist policies could push its price to record levels. The evolution of the geopolitical and economic context will be key to define the direction of the market in the coming months. Investors and companies in the sector will have to pay close attention to the evolution of trade policies and the response of the main market players in order to anticipate possible movements in copper prices.
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The information provided does not constitute investment research. The material has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and such should be considered a marketing communication.
All information has been prepared by ActivTrades ("AT"). The information does not contain a record of AT's prices, or an offer of or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information.
Any material provided does not have regard to the specific investment objective and financial situation of any person who may receive it. Past performance is not reliable indicator of future performance. AT provides an execution-only service. Consequently, any person acing on the information provided does so at their own risk.
The copper market is going through a decisive phase, influenced by political and economic factors that could alter its behavior in the coming months. The return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency and his reactivation of tariff policies has generated expectations of a new record in the price of the red metal since the beginning of the year. Executives of the copper sector indicated at that time that its value could exceed 13,000 dollars per ton (approximately 404.35 dollars per ounce). One troy ounce is equivalent to 31.1034768 grams; therefore, there are 32.15074657 troy ounces in 1 kg. This means that the value of copper is multiplied by 32.1 times, a level that was already surpassed on Tuesday with its current price at 517 dollars per ounce.
United States accumulates copper while China suffers shortages
Trade tensions have led to a redistribution of global supply. It is estimated that 500,000 tons are being diverted to the U.S., which is drastically reducing stocks in China, the world's largest consumer. This supply imbalance could put further pressure on prices.
Factors driving the rise in copper prices
1. Electrification and renewable energies: The growing adoption of electric vehicles and the expansion of electric infrastructures increase the demand for copper.
2. Production constraints: Chile and Peru, the world's leading producers, face disruptions due to labor disputes, environmental regulations and lower investment in mining infrastructure.
3. U.S. trade policy: Tighter tariffs have encouraged the accumulation of reserves in the U.S. and other countries, further restricting global supply and putting upward pressure on prices.
4. Restrictions on the export of scrap from the EU: The European Union is evaluating the implementation of tariffs on the export of scrap, which could impact the supply of raw material for the production of refined copper. This measure seeks to strengthen the domestic industry and reduce dependence on third countries, but could also affect the global supply of the metal.
5. Geopolitical instability: International conflicts, trade sanctions and changes in central banks' monetary policies influence copper prices. Industrial demand from China continues to be a determining factor in the market equation.
Copper price outlook
In 2021, the metal reached an all-time high of $10,700 per tonne at $505 per ounce. Now, with the combination of growing demand and increasingly tight supply, the market could surpass this level. The evolution of trade policies and China's response will be decisive in its trajectory. Looking at the chart, it reached a new high of $518.45 on Monday. The current price oscillates between $510 and $512, showing an accumulation structure by institutional traders initiated in the last impulse of March 11. The control point (POC) is distant at around $477 per ounce, and the volume distribution shows a third dominance zone near $512. Since March 11, the golden crossover of the moving averages has facilitated bullish expansion, although the 50-average has brushed the 100-average on several occasions. Currently, both averages are in price confluence, which coincides with an RSI that has corrected from 71.84% to 54.40%. This movement could indicate the possibility of a new upward momentum that takes the price above $535.
Impact of tariff measures on the industry.
If Trump ultimately ends up implementing new tariffs on industrial metals, it could drastically alter the flow of global copper trade. Tariffs on imports could incentivize domestic copper mining in the U.S. and raise costs for importers, affecting the competitiveness of manufacturing companies. On the other hand, China may be forced to diversify its sources of supply or develop technological alternatives to reduce its dependence on imported copper.
In addition, restrictions on the export of scrap by the European Union could influence the availability of recycled copper, a key source for industrial production in China and other markets. The EU seeks to reduce the leakage of strategic materials, which could lead to higher prices on the international market for all rare metals and materials.
Conclusion
Copper is at a turning point. The combination of production restrictions, increased global demand and protectionist policies could push its price to record levels. The evolution of the geopolitical and economic context will be key to define the direction of the market in the coming months. Investors and companies in the sector will have to pay close attention to the evolution of trade policies and the response of the main market players in order to anticipate possible movements in copper prices.
*******************************************************************************************
The information provided does not constitute investment research. The material has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and such should be considered a marketing communication.
All information has been prepared by ActivTrades ("AT"). The information does not contain a record of AT's prices, or an offer of or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information.
Any material provided does not have regard to the specific investment objective and financial situation of any person who may receive it. Past performance is not reliable indicator of future performance. AT provides an execution-only service. Consequently, any person acing on the information provided does so at their own risk.
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.