Tariff Policy Remains Unclear, Copper Prices Fell First and Then Rose Overnight [SMM Morning Comment on Copper]

Published: Jan 22, 2025 08:42
【Tariff Policy Remains Unclear, Copper Prices Fell Then Rose Overnight】Macro side, Trump did not provide any specific details about imposing general tariffs or additional tax surcharges on major trading partners. However, he hinted at the possibility of imposing tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods as early as February 1. The market struggled with the uncertainty of Trump's tariff policy, with the US dollar index rising first and then falling, and copper prices falling first and then rising....

SMM, January 22: Overnight, LME copper opened at $9,178/mt, initially dipping to $9,155/mt before climbing steadily. Near the session's end, it peaked at $9,292/mt and finally closed at $9,291/mt, up 0.27%. Trading volume reached 20,000 lots, and open interest stood at 298,000 lots. Overnight, the most-traded SHFE copper 2503 contract opened at 75,380 yuan/mt, initially dipping to 75,350 yuan/mt before fluctuating upward. Near the session's end, it peaked at 75,740 yuan/mt and finally closed at 75,700 yuan/mt, up 0.08%. Trading volume reached 21,000 lots, and open interest stood at 160,000 lots. Macro side, Trump did not provide any specific details regarding the imposition of universal tariffs or additional tax surcharges on major trading partners. However, he hinted at the possibility of imposing tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods as early as February 1. The market struggled with the uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariff policies, with the US dollar index rising initially before falling, and copper prices following a similar pattern. Fundamentally, as the Chinese New Year break approaches, logistics will halt, and enterprises are gradually entering holiday mode. New orders in the market are limited, demand continues to weaken, and spot premiums are maintaining a downward trend. In terms of prices, with tariff policies still unclear, the US dollar is expected to fluctuate at its current high level, making further gains unlikely. Copper prices are expected to fluctuate rangebound at this level today.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
Feb 6, 2026 23:56
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
Read More
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
Premier Li Qiang presided over an executive meeting of the State Council to study policy measures for promoting effective investment. The meeting noted that promoting effective investment plays an important role in stabilizing economic growth and strengthening momentum for development. It is necessary to innovate and improve policy measures, and intensify efforts to enhance the efficiency of utilizing funds such as central budget investments, ultra-long-term special treasury bonds, local government special bonds, and new-type policy-based financial instruments. In conjunction with formulating and implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan
Feb 6, 2026 23:56
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
Feb 6, 2026 23:54
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
Read More
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the plenary sessions of the Party’s 20th Central Committee, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy, strengthen top-level design, build computing power interconnection nodes oriented toward national hub periods, major strategic regions, and key industries, establish a system of computing power interconnection nodes, improve the efficiency and service level of public computing power resources, and promote high-quality development of computing power.
Feb 6, 2026 23:54
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
Feb 6, 2026 23:47
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
Read More
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
After intensive indirect consultations, the new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US in Muscat, the capital of Oman, has achieved phased progress. It is reported that during this round of talks, the Iranian and US delegations did not meet directly. Instead, Omani Foreign Minister Badr acted as an intermediary, conveying a series of core proposals, strategic concerns, and policy positions to the other side. The atmosphere at the talks was tense yet efficient. According to preliminary on-site assessments, although both sides continue to negotiate over specific terms, they have reached a consensus on the key objective of "continuing dialogue."
Feb 6, 2026 23:47
Tariff Policy Remains Unclear, Copper Prices Fell First and Then Rose Overnight [SMM Morning Comment on Copper] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)