The meteoric rise in copper prices this year has prompted fears of a bubble in the market, but strong global economic growth has stimulated demand and tight supplies have led to fears of shortages – particularly in China. It is a situation that, some believe, justifies the prevailing elevated prices.
The rise may be welcomed by miners and investors, who have received bumper profits as a result, but copper fabricators are complaining of a squeeze on margins due to higher raw material costs, which they are unable fully to pass on to the consumer.
