Latest News

Dollar firms focus on US-China discussions as copper slips

Copper prices fell on Thursday, as the dollar remained steady and market attention shifted to U.S. China talks this weekend.

As of 0950 GMT, the benchmark copper price on London Metal Exchange (LME), fell by 0.8% to $9 345 per metric ton.

The U.S. Dollar index increased by 0.2%. The dollar's strength makes commodities priced in greenbacks more expensive for currency holders.

The copper price is slightly under pressure, as traders secure "short-term profit and a marginal turnaround of the U.S. Dollar". John Meyer, analyst at SP Angel, said that he believes the market will not take large positions in such an environment.

This weekend, U.S. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent will meet with China's economic tsar He Lifeng.

The news that the U.S.A. and Britain will announce a deal on reducing tariffs for certain goods added to the positive sentiment.

"The dichotomy in copper remains between the strong demand for Chinese copper in the present versus the macro-bearish outlook of the street," said Alastair Murro, senior metals strategist with broker Marex.

Yangshan Copper Premium The key indicator of Chinese import demand is $100 per ton. This is the highest level since December 20,23.

The Shanghai Futures Exchange monitors warehouses for copper stocks Inventory levels in COMEX warehouses have dropped dramatically recently The highest levels since late 2018

"Amid U.S. Tariff Expectations, all metal is being pulled to CME creating an tight supply situation elsewhere in the world." Munro said that the Chinese situation was exacerbated by the shortage of scrap.

Goldman Sachs raised its quarterly copper forecast, citing a de-escalation of trade tensions as well as resilient Chinese demand for copper.

LME Aluminium increased 0.1%, to $2.385.5 per ton.

Two sources with knowledge in the matter said on Wednesday that Guinea had initiated a procedure to revoke Emirates Global Aluminium’s mining license.

LME zinc fell 0.2% to $2,611, while lead dropped 0.8% to 1,941.5. Tin rose 0.3% to $30,755 a tonne, and nickel remained flat at $15 545.

(source: Reuters)