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Copper Advances as US Tariff Muddle Spurs Decline in the Dollar

Bloomberg News
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Copper futures climbed for a second day, nearing $13,000 per ton on the London Metal Exchange, as a weaker U.S. dollar boosted commodity prices amid trade policy uncertainty. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling blocked emergency tariffs, forcing the administration to impose a 15% global levy—down from prior China-specific rates—potentially easing pressure on metal exporters but leaving future policy unclear. Trade tensions and shifting tariffs in 2025 disrupted copper markets, compounded by mine disruptions and rising demand from green energy transitions, though tariffs generally suppress global economic growth and commodity consumption. Chinese markets, the top copper consumer, reopen post-Lunar New Year, with higher prices risking reduced physical demand and inventory buildups as traders return. Zinc held steady while tin gained 0.6%, reflecting mixed metal performance as copper’s 0.2% rise to $12,983 per ton led broader commodity movements.
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Copper rose for a second day as uncertainty around US tariff policy and its impact on broader markets drove a decline in the dollar.Author of the article:You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.(Bloomberg) — Copper rose for a second day as uncertainty around US tariff policy and its impact on broader markets drove a decline in the dollar.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Futures edged toward $13,000 a ton on the London Metal Exchange, extending last week’s narrow gain. The greenback traded lower amid broader weakness in US assets, boosting commodities that are priced in it.The US Supreme Court last week ruled against President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to set reciprocal trade duties, prompting the administration to roll out an alternative 10% global levy, which was then raised to 15%. The shift may lower the average tariff on Chinese goods to 24% from 32%, according to Morgan Stanley. Still, while that may aid metal-intensive exporters there, the relief could prove to be temporary as trade policy may evolve further.Copper, which has consolidated at a high level since hitting a record in January, was buffeted last year by frequent shifts in US trade policy, as well as mine snarls and forecasts for higher consumption from the energy transition. Tariffs typically undermine world economic growth, curbing demand for commodities.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Investors are waiting for the return of Chinese traders after the Lunar New Year break, with markets to reopen on Tuesday. Higher copper prices can weigh on physical demand in the world’s top consumer, causing inventories to build.Copper added 0.2% to $12,983 a ton on the LME at 10:36 a.m. in Singapore. Other metals were mixed, with zinc steady and tin gaining 0.6%.Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4© 2026 Financial Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited.This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.You can manage saved articles in your account.and save up to 100 articles!You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.

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