Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-12-07 00:38Core Viewpoint - The copper market is experiencing a significant upward trend driven by supply shortages, macroeconomic monetary easing, and surging demand from emerging sectors, with prices reaching historical highs in December 2023 [1][2]. Group 1: Price Trends and Market Performance - As of December 5, 2023, LME copper futures peaked at $11,705 per ton, marking a historical high, while domestic copper futures approached 93,000 yuan per ton [1]. - The A-share copper sector has seen over a 70% increase this year, with companies like Luoyang Molybdenum and Zijin Mining witnessing stock price increases exceeding 100% [1]. - The price surge is attributed to multiple factors, including supply constraints from major production areas and increased demand for copper due to infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy developments [1][2]. Group 2: Supply Constraints - Global copper supply is tightening due to significant production disruptions, including a 28% reduction in annual output guidance from the Kamoa-Kakula mine and a complete suspension of operations at the Grasberg mine until mid-2026 [2]. - The International Copper Study Group reported a mere 1.4% increase in global copper mine production this year, resulting in a supply-demand gap of 150,000 tons, which is expected to widen to 300,000 tons by 2026 [2]. Group 3: Demand Drivers - The transition to renewable energy is driving copper demand, with the International Energy Agency projecting that copper usage in data centers could reach between 250,000 to 550,000 tons by 2030, accounting for 1%-2% of global copper demand [3]. - Analysts expect that structural factors driving copper prices will remain unchanged, keeping prices in an upward trajectory with limited short-term correction opportunities [3]. Group 4: Economic and Financial Factors - The ongoing economic recovery and a loose monetary policy environment are expected to enhance copper's financial attributes, with historical trends indicating that global interest rate cuts can strengthen copper prices [4]. - Optimism regarding future liquidity easing is prevalent, with expectations of continued supportive fiscal and monetary policies both domestically and internationally [4].