Business · Energy & Commodities · 2 days ago
Copper prices rise as Chinese demand indicators improve
Copper prices rose as demand indicators in China improved after a week of public holidays.
China is the world’s largest copper consumer, and its goods inventories fell after the break.
Seasonal demand and possible supply problems may support prices.
But persistent inflation and strict central bank policies could push prices down.
Copper prices rose as Chinese demand indicators improved after the country returned to work following a national holiday.
At 16:47 Moscow time, London Metal Exchange copper futures were up 1.96% at $14,577.25 per tonne.
The December COMEX copper contract gained 2.14% to $6.71.
China’s import demand index reached a four-year high after the holiday period.
Analysts at StoneX said they remained positive on copper, while persistent inflation and tight central bank policies remained risks to prices.
- Who
- Copper markets and traders.
- What
- Copper prices rose as indicators of Chinese demand improved.
- When
- October 9, 2026; prices were reported at 16:47 Moscow time.
- Where
- London Metal Exchange and COMEX markets.
- Why
- Chinese demand indicators improved after the country returned to work following its national holiday, alongside a broader rise in stock markets.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We remain positive on copper, supported by supply risks, seasonal demand from China and continued uncertainty over tariffs.
China held extended official holidays for the National Day of the People’s Republic of China.
Goods inventories in China fell, and the country’s import demand index reached a four-year high.
Copper futures rose on the LME and the December COMEX contract gained.
- LME copper futures
- Up 1.96% to $14,577.25 per tonne at 16:47 Moscow time
- COMEX December copper
- Up 2.14% to $6.71
- China national holiday
- October 1–7, 2026
- Chinese import demand index
- Four-year high
Sources
Related news
Rail-linked car exports from Guangzhou port rise 190% in first three quarters
Investors say European startups may be misreading China ties
EU and China Agree to Discuss Restrictions on Chinese Inverters
Shanghai industrial expo showcases robots and AI for manufacturing
Only one in five Hong Kong workers feel ready for AI’s retirement impact
China’s major stock indexes fall as more than 4,000 shares decline
BYD became the world’s top electric car seller in 2025
China and EU agree to cut hybrid car exports by more than half
China securities regulator consults market experts on stability and growth
China’s logistics activity expands for fifth straight month
China Agrees to Cut Hybrid Car Exports to the EU