Fund Managers Rethink Copper Prices as Supply Situation Evolves
An unexpected drop in global copper supplies has left fund managers rethinking copper prices amid uncertain supplies and predicted shortages. Prior to the sudden drop in copper supply, experts predicted a market surplus that would last well into 2024 and support the steady increases in copper demand as the EV and green-energy industries grew. However, the closure of a major mine in Panama and reduced copper production by South American miners have cost the global supply an estimated 600,000 tons of copper and have plunged the market into a potential supply deficit. First Quantum's Cobre Panama mine had to shut…