The US’ planned 25% tariffs on copper have aroused market panic and may lead to a surge in US’ imports, thereby driving up copper prices.

Mercuria, a commodities trading company, estimates that around 500,000 tons of copper are being shipped to the US, far exceeding the normal import volume of 70,000 tons.

Goldman Sachs, an investment banking, predicts that the US' net copper imports will increase by 50%-100% before the imposition of tariffs, and inventories will increase by 200,000-300,000 tons by the end of the third quarter. The global market supply is tightening, and the annual gap may reach 180,000 tons.

Copper prices were expected to break through US$12,000/ton, pushing up US copper futures prices and affecting the stainless steel and water hardware industries. The costs of special stainless steel products such as 316 and water hardware products such as faucets will rise, further exacerbating supply pressure in the global copper market.