Core Insights - Global metal traders are experiencing a record year of profits due to supply disruptions pushing metal prices near historical highs [1] - Major players like Glencore and Trafigura are expected to achieve their best trading performance, while IXM's CEO indicates the company will set a record for the third consecutive year [1][5] - The industry is witnessing a significant shift as energy traders enter the metal market, betting on increasing government focus on this strategic sector [1] Group 1: Profit Growth Drivers - Profit growth for large traders is primarily driven by a series of supply tightness and disruptions [3] - The exemption of import tariffs on refined copper by the U.S. created substantial arbitrage opportunities, allowing traders to profit from transporting spot metals to the U.S. [3] - Prices for copper, lead, and zinc have surged due to smelting capacity expansion and limited new supply, benefiting traders with long-term contracts [4] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The surge in gold and silver prices has also provided lucrative profit opportunities for traders, leading many firms to establish dedicated precious metals teams [5] - Glencore's metal trading business achieved a record adjusted EBITDA of $1.57 billion in the first half of 2025, with similar growth expected in the second half [5] - The industry boom has triggered a talent war in metal trading, with companies like Mercuria rapidly expanding their teams [8] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - New entrants like Vitol and Gunvor are adopting more cautious expansion strategies, resulting in modest profits from metal trading [2][8] - Gunvor's CEO noted that building a metal trading portfolio from scratch takes time and that the market is highly competitive [8] - Smaller trading firms are receiving acquisition offers, indicating a strong interest in the booming market, although some are not in a hurry to sell [8]