In February, 3M LME copper traded within a range of $12,414.5–13,527 per ton, showing a volatile but ultimately positive performance. Prices faced initial pressure from reports that China planned to increase copper stockpiles, rising inventories in LME registered warehouses, and ongoing concerns over short-term demand. Officials from the state-backed China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association indicated that China would expand its strategic copper reserves and develop a stat

During January 2026, 3 month LME copper prices traded within a range of 12,444 - 14,527.5 usd/ ton, exhibiting a strong performance throughout the month. Price movements were primarily driven by supply-side risks, macroeconomic expectations, and investor sentiment. At the beginning of the month, copper prices opened with a premium following the failure of negotiations between the main labor union and the company over new labor agreements at Capstone Copper’s Mantoverde copper

In December, LME 3M copper prices traded within a range of $11,121–$12,960, ending the month at $12,496.5 and posting a monthly gain of 11.82%. The rally was primarily driven by intensifying supply-side concerns, supported by robust macroeconomic signals from the United States and a persistently weaker U.S. dollar. Prices found early support following the approval of production cut plans for 2026 by major Chinese smelters, the world’s largest copper consumers, alongside Codel