Copper continues to climb higher, closing at $4.78/lb today. Copper tube mills have just announced an increase and a new list price sheet dated 2/13. We have uploaded this new sheet to our website, which is now in effect. Please call your United Pipe representative to place orders now.
We have seen a volatile copper market so far in 2025, due to fluctuating demand and supply constraints. New environmental policies and infrastructure investments are expected to drive prices higher, including new construction, AI, and renewable energy projects, which rely heavily on it for various applications. Additionally, proposed tariffs on copper imports could further impact prices by disrupting supply chains and increasing costs. Potential U.S. tariffs are creating expectations of a temporary copper shortage in the U.S., prompting businesses to transfer copper from global LME warehouses to the U.S. to profit from price differences. This mirrors past trends under Trump’s first term, where tariff uncertainty drove CME copper stocks up, followed by a sell-off. Since the recent election, U.S. copper inventories have risen, now exceeding 100,000 tons, potentially impacting copper tube costs:
- Higher Prices from Tariffs: Tariffs raise import costs, increasing copper tube product prices.
- U.S. Supply Tightness: Stockpiling in the U.S. may reduce supply elsewhere, potentially hiking prices short-term.
- Market Volatility: Tariff uncertainty causes price swings, making copper tube costs unpredictable.
- Future Price Relief: Past trends suggest excess stockpiling could lower prices later, depending on tariff duration and demand.
Rely on Us for Inventory and Weekly Delivery
Our business model enables wholesalers to source diverse pipe products—copper, steel, and PVC—from one supplier with low minimum orders, perfect for turbulent markets. Leverage our nationwide inventory for mixed, weekly deliveries, buying only what you need. This approach helps manage volatile commodity inventory, boosts cash flow, accelerates inventory turnover, and shields you from price fluctuations.