What is already a global copper deficit could worsen this year with more mines expected to be affected by worker strikes in the coming months.
According to a report by Reuters, South American copper mines are bracing for additional strikes, but polls indicate price movements have already been taken this information into account.
Economist Amy Li at National Australia Bank in Melbourne, told Reuters:
We will mostly likely see more disruptions later this year, but they are not to be as severe, and the price impacts should be largely priced in.
The previous strikes Li is referring to were earlier this year in the world’s largest copper mine at Chile’s Escondida and the No. 2 Grasberg mine in Indonesia.
Reuters also reported copper traded on the London Metal Exchange increased 8% this year, ranking fourth of the six main LME-traded metals.
Copper Prices to Fall?
Despite a perceived shortage in global production of the metal, numerous reports have copper at risk for a price shortfall. The reason? Slow Chinese economic growth, which could take 10% or more off copper prices in the next several months.
Seth Rosenfeld, senior research analyst at Jefferies told Fox Business:
We expect several of the recent drivers of industrial metals, especially stronger economic growth in China, to slow going into the second half of the year.
How will copper and base metals fare in 2017? You can find a more in-depth copper price forecast and outlook in our brand-new Monthly Metal Buying Outlook report.
For a short- and long-term buying strategy with specific price thresholds:
by Kyle Fitzsimmons