Copper Prices Soar: A Look at the Facts and Expert Opinions
In recent news, hedge fund manager Pierre Andurand has predicted that the price of copper could quadruple to $40,000 a tonne in the next few years due to increasing demand and supply struggles.
According to reports from various sources including The Financial Times and Seeking Alpha, Andurand believes that copper demand is outpacing supply, particularly due to the electrification of the world. This includes electric vehicles, solar panels, wind farms, military usage, and data centers.
The mining industry estimates it takes around 15 years to develop a new mine. Mining companies are finding it increasingly difficult and expensive to build new copper supply in response to growing demand.
Andurand's bullish view on copper extends to aluminum as well, due to its substitutability for copper in certain applications.
Despite the record-breaking $11,000 a tonne price of copper this year, some Chinese factories have been hesitant to buy due to the high cost. Federal Reserve officials have also made hawkish comments on inflation, which could impact demand for copper.
Copper prices experienced their biggest decline in almost two years on Wednesday, dropping by 4.1%. However, Andurand remains optimistic about the future of copper and aluminum prices.
Here are some key facts from the sources:
- Copper price could quadruple to $40,000 a tonne in the next few years due to surging demand and supply struggles.
- Demand for copper is expected to outstrip supply in H2 of this decade.
- Andurand also has a bullish view on aluminum due to its substitutability for copper in certain applications.
Sources:
The Financial Times: 'Copper prices to quadruple on soaring demand, top commodity trader Andurand says' Seeking Alpha: 'Copper prices to quadruple on soaring demand, top commodity trader Andurand says' Bloomberg: 'Copper steadies after biggest decline in almost two years'