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Copper rockets 9% toward January highs as Iran tensions and AI demand collide
Economy
Published on 14 May 2026
Supply crunch looks longer than traders expected
Copper prices are climbing sharply, gaining about 9% since the Iran-related tensions, as markets brace for both geopolitics-driven volatility and a deeper structural supply shortage. Investors are also betting on AI-linked electrification demand that requires more copper per project. With new mines taking years to scale and underinvestment lingering, traders warn the shortage could persist and push prices higher.
- Copper is up around 9% since Iran tensions, near January peaks
- Demand optimism is rising on AI and electrification buildouts
- Supply is tight due to underinvestment and long mine lead times
- Geopolitics adds fuel to the move, keeping volatility elevated
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times