Copper futures fell to around $5.9 per pound on Tuesday, pausing a two-day rebound amid signs of slowing demand in top consumer China ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays. Industrial activity in China slowed as manufacturers paused operations, while overall economic momentum softened. On the supply side, major mines continued to face challenges from power outages, prompting conservative production guidance. The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association expects refined copper output to rise about 5% in 2026, roughly half the growth seen in 2025. Still, prices remain supported by strong global demand driven by the energy transition and ongoing AI-driven data-center expansion. A weaker dollar, pressured by concerns over declining foreign demand for dollar-denominated assets, also provided additional support.
