商品交易巨头火上浇油：Mercuria被爆计划从LME亚洲仓提取超4万吨铜

Core Viewpoint - Mercuria's recent decision to cancel or mark over 40,000 tons of copper delivery from LME warehouses in South Korea and Taiwan reflects a growing demand for physical copper, which may further drive up copper prices amid supply concerns [1][2][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Mercuria's action is expected to increase the premium of spot copper contracts relative to three-month copper futures, indicating heightened demand for physical copper [2]. - The cancellation of warehouse receipts at LME Asian warehouses reached a ten-year high of 50,725 tons, suggesting significant market activity and potential supply shortages [3][4]. - The recent surge in copper prices, with a notable increase of over 30% this year, is largely driven by expectations of supply shortages due to disruptions in major copper-producing countries like Indonesia and Chile [4][5]. Group 2: Supply Chain Implications - The U.S. tariff policies have led to a reorganization of global copper supply, with Mercuria warning of a potential severe shortage in global supply by Q1 of next year [5][8]. - The ongoing disruptions in mining operations, such as those in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the decline in production from Glencore, are exacerbating supply tightness [8]. - The majority of copper in LME warehouses comes from China or Russia, with U.S. import tariffs affecting the flow of copper, yet these supplies can still reach Asian customers [9]. Group 3: Price Forecasts and Market Sentiment - While Mercuria maintains a bullish outlook on copper prices, predicting further increases, Goldman Sachs expresses caution, suggesting that the current price surge may not be sustainable due to adequate global supply [10][11]. - Goldman Sachs forecasts that copper prices will be constrained between $10,000 and $11,000 per ton by 2026, while Mercuria's perspective indicates that current high prices may soon appear low [11][12]. - The market sentiment remains divided, with some analysts predicting a potential oversupply in the coming years, while others highlight the ongoing demand pressures that could sustain higher prices [10][11].