The Changing Market Dynamics of Copper
March 17, 2024
In recent times, the attention of the copper market has been focused on the development of Shanghai copper inventories, as these data can help assess demand and the potential impact of capacity closures. Leading copper smelters in China, such as Jiangxi Copper and Tongling, have implemented production cuts in response to the plummeting processing fees for copper concentrates. This move may exacerbate tensions in the copper market and support further price increases. The global decline in industrial production has led to low demand, while China continues to accelerate its economic activity, which could bring stability to prices. Amidst negative sentiment in the American stock markets, investors seek “Safe Haven” assets such as bonds, gold, and silver, which may result in increases in the prices of silver and other industrial metals, including copper.