Copper Soars Past $13,000 Record on US Import Rush & Supply Fears

• Copper prices surged past $13,000, hitting a record $13,187 a ton on the London Metal Exchange, driven by a renewed rush to ship metal to the US.
• Uncertainty over President Donald Trump's potential import tariffs has created a premium for US copper, spurring imports and raising global shortage concerns.
• Supply disruptions, including a strike at Mantoverde mine and accidents in Indonesia and Democratic Republic of Congo, along with years of underinvestment, contribute to market tightness.
• Speculative investor activity and a broader surge in other metals like gold and silver also fueled the rally.
• Analysts warn low inventories outside the US, which holds half of global stock but accounts for only 10% demand, could lead to further supply shocks.

Why It Matters: Copper hits record highs driven by US import demand, tariff uncertainty, and tight global supply.