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Shortages key to copper's upward price trajectory to new peaks

Upward momentum that has propelled copper prices to within a whisker of the psychological $10,000 a metric ton mark is expected to be sustained by the appearance of shortages over the coming months. Copper prices have recently been bolstered by expectations of tight supplies and optimism about demand prospects from energy transition applications such as electric vehicles and new technology such as artificial intelligence and automation. A pick-up in manufacturing activity, particularly in top consumer China where surveys of purchasing managers have started to show expansion has also contributed to enthusiasm for copper which this week hit a two-year peak at $9,988 a ton for a gain of 25% since early October.