Copper surges to record high in 'unsustainable' rally, joining silver and gold in 2026 metals frenzy

Core Insights - Copper prices have surged to record highs, with futures up 10% recently, exceeding $13,000 per ton, driven by supply chain disruptions, trade policy, and increasing demand [1] - Global copper demand is projected to rise from 28 million tons in 2025 to 42 million tons by 2040, leading to a potential 10 million-ton shortfall without significant supply expansions [2] - Speculation and preemptive trading may have inflated copper prices, with analysts suggesting that current levels may not reflect market realities [3] Supply Chain and Market Dynamics - The copper market has faced significant supply shocks, including earthquakes and flooding affecting major mines, which have contributed to supply constraints [6][7] - U.S. tariff risks have influenced trading behavior, with traders moving copper into American channels to avoid duties, impacting supply availability in Europe and Asia [5] - The initial announcement of a 50% tariff on copper imports by the U.S. government led to a temporary price increase, although the tariffs were later clarified to apply only to semi-finished products [4][5]