Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the copper market, forecasting a price of $10,050 per ton for LME copper in August, with potential upside risks due to competition between China and the US for copper supplies [4]. Core Insights - China's refined copper demand has increased by 12% year-to-date as of May, driven by strong domestic demand and a significant rise in solar installations and air conditioning sales [1][39]. - The report anticipates a slowdown in China's refined copper demand growth in the second half of 2025, projecting a 6% growth for the year, influenced by lower exports and declining policy support for renewables and home appliances [1]. - The global copper market is tightening, particularly outside the US, due to increased imports from China and record low inventories [4]. Summary by Sections Price Forecasts - The forecast for LME copper is $9,934 per ton as of July 1, 2025, with expectations of reaching $10,000 in the next three months and $10,750 by 2027 [12]. Copper: Supply & Demand Tracker - Global copper mine production is up 2% year-to-date, with a forecast of a 1% year-over-year increase for the full year 2025 [32]. - World refined copper production has increased by 3% year-to-date, with a forecast of a 2% year-over-year increase for 2025 [34]. Copper: Physical Market Indicators - The report indicates that global visible copper stocks are only partially capturing US stockpiling, suggesting a tighter market [13]. Speculative Positioning - Speculative positioning in the copper market is concentrated due to tariff anticipation and tightening fundamentals outside the US [108].