Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration has imposed a 50% tariff on imported copper semi-finished products and copper-intensive derivatives, citing national security concerns, which has caused significant volatility in the global copper market [1][4][5]. Group 1: Tariff Impact on Copper Market - On July 30, the copper futures price on the New York Commodity Exchange plummeted by 20% in one day due to the unexpected tariff announcement, following a period of rising prices [2][3]. - Prior to the tariff announcement, copper futures had reached a record high of $5.8955 per pound, driven by market speculation about the tariffs [2]. - The announcement led to a surge in COMEX copper inventory, which increased to 232,000 tons, up 21,900 tons year-on-year, as traders rushed to import refined copper [3][6]. Group 2: Supply Chain and Production Insights - The U.S. is the second-largest consumer of copper globally, consuming approximately 1.6 million tons of refined copper in 2024, with a significant portion imported from Chile and Canada [6]. - The U.S. has a low participation rate in the global copper supply chain, accounting for only 5.1% of copper ore production and 3.3% of refined copper production [6]. - The U.S. government is considering a licensing system for exporting high-quality copper scrap and aims to increase domestic production of copper raw materials by requiring a certain percentage to be sold domestically by 2027 [6]. Group 3: Future Market Outlook - Analysts predict that the current excess inventory in the U.S. market will suppress COMEX copper prices, while concerns about potential inventory outflows could also impact LME copper prices [3][5]. - Despite the short-term pressures, the long-term outlook for copper prices remains optimistic due to ongoing demand from sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy [3][5]. - The potential for future tariffs on refined copper remains, with suggestions for a 15% tariff starting in 2027, which could further complicate the domestic copper industry's development [7].