Copper Prices Plummet for Third Day Amid Worsening China Economic Outlook

Copper prices declined for the third consecutive day on November 3, 2025, amid growing concerns over China's economy, which has been a major driver of global demand for the metal. The London Metal Exchange (LME) copper price fell by 1.4% to $8,445 per ton, while aluminum prices rose by 1.2% to $2,435 per ton, marking the highest close since May 2022. Industry analysts attributed the decline in copper prices to the ongoing economic slowdown in China, which has been experiencing a series of lockdowns and supply chain disruptions. "The Chinese economy is facing significant headwinds, and this is having a ripple effect on global commodity markets," said a spokesperson for Glencore, one of the world's largest copper producers. "We are seeing a decrease in demand for copper from China, which is impacting our sales and revenue." The decline in copper prices has also been exacerbated by the recent easing of US-China tensions, which has led to a surge in risk assets such as stocks and commodities. However, analysts warn that the economic slowdown in China is a more pressing concern for the global economy. "While the trade truce between the US and China is a positive development, it does not address the underlying economic issues in China," said a report by Bloomberg Intelligence. Copper prices have been under pressure in recent months due to a combination of factors, including a slowdown in global demand and a surge in supply from major producers such as Chile and Peru. The LME copper price has fallen by 10% since the start of the year, while aluminum prices have risen by 5%. Industry analysts expect copper prices to remain volatile in the coming months as the global economy continues to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing economic slowdown in China. The current economic situation in China has significant implications for the global economy, particularly for countries that rely heavily on exports to China. The country's economic slowdown has already had a ripple effect on global commodity markets, with prices for metals such as copper and aluminum falling sharply in recent months. Industry analysts warn that the economic slowdown in China is a more pressing concern for the global economy than the recent easing of US-China tensions. As the global economy continues to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing economic slowdown in China, industry analysts will be closely watching the developments in the copper market. The current price of copper is $8,445 per ton, while aluminum prices are at $2,435 per ton, marking the highest close since May 2022.