Copper markets face supply tightness as demand expectations rise
Time:Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:17:43 +0800
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The London Metal Exchange (LME) copper prices maintained their upward trend last week, closing higher for the fourth consecutive week due to tight supply and surging demand from AI data centers and green energy.
Although a stronger US dollar and high copper costs caused a mid-week drop, the metal remains near historical highs. Global inventories dropped to a six-month low as mining disruptions and lower ore grades limit output.
Market optimism persists as China signals new fiscal stimulus, though some processors have turned cautious regarding current price heights. Despite temporary pullbacks, the long-term outlook of copper prices stays positive as energy transition projects and power grid expansions continue to drive heavy industrial consumption worldwide.
