ASA News
Materials Market Digest: Copper update
Image courtesy of Westlight / Shutterstock
From ASA’s latest Materials Market Digest, a comprehensive monthly document covering the latest commodities, oil/gas and other developments of keen interest to those doing business primarily in the industrial and mechanical pipe, valves and fittings sector, copper prices fell sharply in early April, reversing a historic rally as concerns over global trade tensions and economic growth triggered a broad market selloff across financial markets. After reaching a new all-time high of $5.26/lb. in late March, futures plunged more than 20% to an intraday low of $4.03 — a 23% decline in just two weeks.
The sharp correction reflected investor anxiety over the potential fallout from tariffs and uncertainty surrounding US-China trade relations. The market gave back gains even faster than they were built, marking one of the steepest short-term declines in recent years.
Prices stabilized around the $4.30 level after the White House postponed new tariffs for 90 days. Since then, copper has regained some ground, supported by signals that Washington may be pursue negotiations with China and by rising expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in June.
A new list price sheet has been released, marking the seventh price adjustment of 2025. The June futures contract is currently trading at $4.80/lb.
To be added to the mailing list for ASA’s monthly Materials Market Digest, produced by ASA’s Industrial Piping Division and Armada Corporate Intelligence, contact ASA’s Mike Miazga at mmiazga@asa.net.
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