Copper Dips as Investors Doubt Coming US Tariffs on Metal
LME copper edged lower in early Asian trading as some investors question whether US tariffs will arrive, while tight supply limits the downside.
- published on Newsmetry
- original source published
the public page opens no earlier than 15 minutes after we detect the story. approved stories may reach the api sooner. connect the api →
what happened
Copper eased slightly in early Asian trading. The metal had gained on expectations that President Trump might impose tariffs on it, but some investors now doubt such measures will materialize, according to analysts at ANZ Research, as reported by Market Talk.
The analysts say ongoing supply-side problems are likely to limit how far prices can fall. A major South Korean copper smelter may cut output because a global shortage of copper concentrate is squeezing its margins, which could reduce supply of the metal.
The three-month LME copper contract was down 0.2% at $14,317.00 a ton.
why it matters
For copper markets, the key question now is US trade policy: if tariffs fail to appear, the premium built into prices could shrink. At the same time, the concentrate shortage is putting pressure on smelters, a factor worth watching for anyone tracking metal supply.
market impact
Copper and metal producers: fading tariff premium weighs on prices, while tight concentrate supply offers support
tags
instruments
sources
- Copper Lower as Traders Price Out U.S. Tariff Risks — Market Talk, 20 October 2026 at 02:23 UTC
prepared by the newsmetry newsroom with ai assistance from the sources listed below. not investment advice.
the public page opens no earlier than 15 minutes after we detect the story. approved stories may reach the api sooner.
get stories in real time ↗