US Copper Prices Hit Record High on Supply Risks and Tariff Bets

Published: May 14, 2026 17:19

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US COMEX copper prices surged to record highs as traders increasingly bet on potential new tariffs targeting critical metal imports. At the same time, global copper supply remains under pressure from mining disruptions, sulphuric acid shortages, and tight concentrate availability. Analysts said demand from AI infrastructure, power-grid expansion, and clean-energy investment continues to strengthen expectations for long-term copper shortages. Market participants believe the price gap between US copper futures and LME copper could widen further if tariff risks escalate.

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