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Copper is a reddish metal used to carry electricity and heat, found in wiring, pipes, electronics, and EVs. Its price tracks global building and manufacturing activity. In recent years, global copper usage has outpaced new mine supply, partly because new mines take a long time to develop, though recycling and new production projects are also part of the supply picture. Demand has grown from EVs, power grids, and the wiring needed for AI data centers, while trade policies and tariffs can affect how easily copper moves around the world.
What to watch: Global manufacturing and construction data, AI and data center buildout news, and trade policy between major economies.