UBS(US:UBS) Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2025-08-01 07:09Core Viewpoint - The abrupt reversal of Trump's copper tariff policy, from a proposed 50% tariff to almost complete exemption, has led to a significant drop in copper prices, with COMEX copper prices falling over 20% and spot premiums nearing zero [1][3]. Group 1: Tariff Policy Impact - The recent tariff exemption exceeded market expectations, leading to a reversal of the "U.S. copper tariff trade" and creating downward pressure on prices [2][3]. - The cancellation of tariffs is viewed as the most negative scenario for copper prices, as it forces the liquidation of previously established arbitrage positions [2][3]. Group 2: Inventory Concerns - The U.S. holds a significant surplus of copper inventory, estimated at 500,000 to 700,000 tons, which will take 6-12 months to digest, further pressuring copper prices [2][4]. - The U.S. accounts for less than 10% of global copper demand, yet the tariff expectations have distorted global copper trade, leading to increased imports and subsequent overstocking [4]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The price differential between COMEX and LME copper had previously attracted significant metal inflows into the U.S., but this differential has now collapsed due to the tariff exemption [3][4]. - U.S. refined copper imports surged by approximately 400,000 tons (+130%) year-on-year in the first five months of the year, contributing to the accumulation of excess inventory [4].