Copper prices climbed to around US$14,000 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange (LME), reaching their highest level in two months as traders continued to monitor record inflows of copper into the United States ahead of an anticipated decision on refined copper import tariffs.
According to foreign media reports, more than 200,000 tonnes of copper arrived at U.S. ports during July, representing the largest monthly inflow recorded by IHS Markit since it began tracking the data in 2014. The surge has significantly increased inventories at U.S. warehouses and ports while reducing the volume of metal available to consumers in other regions.
The inflows have continued despite uncertainty over potential U.S. tariffs on refined copper imports. Although the U.S. Commerce Department was expected to submit its recommendations by the end of June, no formal decision has yet been announced. The sustained premium of U.S. copper prices over LME prices has continued to support profitable arbitrage opportunities, encouraging traders to redirect material into the U.S. market.
Market Impact: The concentration of copper inventories in the United States is tightening physical availability elsewhere, reinforcing an already constrained global market. With copper prices remaining near historic highs and demand supported by electrification, power infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, any tariff decision that further alters global trade flows could intensify regional supply imbalances and provide additional upside for international copper prices.
