China’s Copper Industry Is Struggling When It Should Be Booming

From bnnbloomberg.ca

Copper demand in the world’s biggest user of the metal is slowing down at a time of the year when it usually picks up. The copper market, traditionally a bellwether of economic health, is finding some support from the energy transition and Beijing’s efforts to revitalize growth. But buyers lack conviction and the view from the factory floor remains cautious as margins are suppressed and profits wither. “Consumption is lagging the previous few years due to the macroeconomic environment,” said Hai Jianxun, a sales executive at Henan Yuxing Copper Co., which makes pipes used in items like air-conditioners. ... (full story)