Copper Steadies as Traders Digest Strong Chinese Trade Data

Copper was little changed as traders digested strong Chinese trade data that pointed to healthy demand in the world’s most important market for industrial commodities.

Despite tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, growth in shipments from China unexpectedly accelerated in July as suppliers turned to alternative markets. The total value of exports jumped 7.2% from a year earlier, beating economists’ forecasts for 5.6% growth.

China’s manufacturers increasingly have leaned on exports to offset softer growth at home, a trend that helps sustain demand for commodities. Metals are widely used to make industrial products ...