Copper is soaring, and investors are taking note. A potent mix of tariff threats, surging demand from global tech and energy sectors, and rising supply insecurity is sending U.S. copper prices to historic highs—widening the gap with international benchmarks and fuelling urgent stockpiling.
Copper futures in the United States surged to an all-time high of $5.183 per pound on March 25, outpacing the previous record set in May last year. Even with a slight pullback, the metal closed at $5.1125 on March 28—marking a staggering 28% year-to-date gain. Meanwhile, prices on the London Metal Exchange, the global reference point, climbed just 13% to $4.44 per pound. The widening premium has raised eyebrows, with the Wall Street Journal describing the divergence as “unprecedented.”
The price pressure has been amplified by geopolitical undertones. In February, former President Trump called for an investigation into the national security implications of copper imports, and by early March, signed an executive order to boost domestic output of critical minerals, copper included. These moves have ignited speculation over imminent tariffs, triggering a scramble among U.S. manufacturers and suppliers to secure inventory ahead of potential disruptions.
The surge in copper isn’t only about politics. The metal’s role as the backbone of modern infrastructure—from electric vehicles and smartphones to power grids and plumbing—has made it a high-demand commodity. Its consumption has accelerated in recent decades, driven by China’s industrial expansion, the energy transition into renewables, and the global explosion in data centre development.
For investors, the dynamics suggest a pivotal moment for the copper market. Domestic supply is tightening, strategic stockpiles are building, and structural demand is growing. These factors are aligning to create sustained momentum in copper pricing, with key implications for industrial producers and commodity portfolios alike.
Copper remains central to the future of clean energy, digital infrastructure and national resilience—positioning it as a metal of strategic importance in the global economy.
ARC Minerals Ltd (LON:ARCM) is a dynamic exploration and prospect generation company, forging partnerships with major mining companies, in its quest to discover and develop Tier 1 copper deposits.
