Citigroup cuts copper forecast on tariffs risk, China outlook
The bank has cut its short-term outlook for copper prices by 11% to $8,500 a ton over the next three months.
China pledged to cut carbon emissions from aluminum smelters and reduce steel capacity under a five-year plan that adds some details on Beijing’s drive to reshape heavy industries.
The aluminum sector should slash emissions 5% by 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said in a statement. Capacity in industries including steel and cement should decline over the period, while plant utilization rates should stay “at a reasonable level”, it added.
The proposals add some flesh to Beijing’s plans for reining in greenhouse-gas emissions and slashing energy consumption in key sectors. Steel and aluminum producers have come under pressure already this year amid initial attempts to cap output — but also because of a property-led demand slump.
The steel sector accounts for about 15% of China’s carbon footprint, with aluminum making up around 4%. In both industries, China is by far the top global producer. The document didn’t mention 2025 goals for production or carbon emissions from the steel sector.
Other targets in the five-year plan include:
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