Copper costs soar amid Ai boom

(CNN)– Copper prices are surging to record highs, driven by strong demand, tighter mine supply and tariff uncertainty.

New York copper futures settled at a record $6.89 a pound Wednesday (September 9) before pulling back Thursday (September 10).

Demand is growing from electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to power Ai data centers.

At the same time, global copper mine output declined in the first half of the year.

Analysts say uncertainty over potential U.S. tariffs has also prompted stockpiling.