Copper prices experienced a downturn today as new economic data from China indicated a slowdown in growth. The data, which included figures on industrial production and retail sales, fell short of analysts’ expectations, triggering concerns about the demand for copper in the world’s largest consumer market.

The London Metal Exchange (LME) benchmark copper price fell by 1.2% to $8,450 per tonne in early trading. This decline reflects investor apprehension regarding the implications of the Chinese economic slowdown on global commodity demand.

Analysts suggest that the weaker-than-anticipated Chinese data could lead to a reassessment of global growth forecasts, further impacting commodity prices. The situation is being closely monitored by market participants who are wary of potential further declines if economic conditions in China do not improve.

Here are some factors contributing to the price decrease:

• Lower-than-expected industrial production in China
• Decreased retail sales figures
• Concerns about overall economic growth in the region

The copper market remains sensitive to economic indicators from major economies, and China’s performance continues to be a key driver of price movements.