Copper prices edged lower on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed details of proposed tariffs on China, a top metals consumer. While the tariffs were less severe than expected, they still weighed on market sentiment.
Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) CMCU3 was down 0.3% at $9,019 per metric ton, paring losses after touching an inter-day low of $8,958.MCX Copper Future settled at 803.90, down nearly half percent.
On Monday, Trump pledged an additional 25% tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada from his first day in office, and 10% tariffs on goods from China.
He has previously pledged to end China’s most-favored-nation trading status and slap tariffs on Chinese imports in excess of 60% – much higher than those imposed during his first term.
Trump’s message is pretty strong and the market obviously doesn’t like it, but the 10% on China was lower than what the market might have feared.
China’s peak demand season, which spans November and December, has also prevented a further decline in copper prices, with SHFE inventories falling and import premiums rising to a one-month high of $53 a ton SMM-CUYP-CN.
On wider markets, the dollar rallied while European shares fell in the aftermath of Trump’s announcement. The dollar strengthens broadly amid firmer Treasury yields, ongoing geopolitical risks and concerns that President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs will lead to trade wars. Officials from Mexico, Canada and China warned that imposing hefty tariffs on goods would harm the economies of all involved and would risk aggravating inflation and damaging job markets.
A stronger dollar usually weighs on commodities priced in the U.S. currency, making it more expensive for buyers using other currencies.
LME copper has shed 12% since hitting a four-month peak on Sept. 30.
Technical Outlook – Copper Price
Copper prices retreated from the day’s high of 810.85 and settled at 803.90, down by 0.42%. Since November 4, prices have been in a downtrend from the peak of 861.30, slipping over 5.50%.
In the chart above, prices are trading within a downside consolidation pattern, finding support around 784.00 while struggling to break the resistance at 865.00. This consolidation is likely to continue unless there is a breakout on either side.
Furthermore, concerns regarding Trump releasing details on China tariffs are expected to keep pressure on prices. Copper may drop towards the immediate support range of 794–788 in the near future.
Hence, any rise toward the 810–815 zone could present a selling opportunity.
Until then, Happy Trading!
Commodity Samachar Securities
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