Driven by widespread market optimism and concerns over tightening supply, copper prices rose in early trading. Mitsubishi UFJ analyst Soojin Kim wrote in a report: “Concerns over potential U.S. import tariffs have prompted traders to accelerate shipments to the U.S., leading to tighter supply in other regions.” Meanwhile, the strike at Chile’s Mantoverde copper mine has further highlighted supply-side risks amid expanding global demand. The analyst added: “The rally was bolstered by strong performance in Asian stock markets, driven by tech stocks, as well as investors’ reassessment of the geopolitical situation following the U.S. detention of Venezuelan leader Maduro.” Data shows that copper prices have risen by about 40% over the past year.