Chilean Mining Minister Aurora Williams has projected that copper prices could stabilize at $7,800 per metric ton as global trade tensions continue to influence market dynamics. Her comments, made during an interview with *Diario Financiero*, highlight the role of ongoing negotiations between the United States, China, and the European Union in shaping copper’s future value.
Copper prices have experienced significant volatility in recent months. On April 7, copper traded at $8,150 per metric ton on the London Metal Exchange (LME), marking a 7.2% drop from earlier highs. This decline follows a broader sell-off in metals markets, which saw gold and nickel prices also tumbling. Analysts attribute the fluctuations to recession fears and uncertainty over U.S. tariffs targeting imports of metals like copper and aluminum.
Despite the recent dip, copper has risen by 10% since the beginning of 2025 due to strong demand in Asia and central bank purchases. China’s infrastructure spending and manufacturing growth projections have supported copper prices. However, trade policies introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump—such as a proposed 25% tariff on copper imports—could disrupt global supply chains and further impact prices.
Williams emphasized cautious optimism about copper’s resilience despite geopolitical challenges. Deutsche Bank analyst Michael Xue predicts steady demand for copper driven by renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles, with additional support from central bank purchases and exchange-traded funds secured by copper assets.
