Copper markets have stabilized in recent weeks after a 6.5% decline in the first quarter of 2018.

Relative price stability has occurred in spite of a strengthening dollar and increases in London Metal Exchange inventories.

Uncertainties in World Trade threatened by pending tariffs and a less-robust Chinese economy (the largest world consumer of copper) have dampened the typical upward market pressures at least up to this point. In spite of this, dealers and consumers anticipate a return to a rising copper market as we move into busy summer months; also, coupled with the impact of potential disruptions in Chilean and Indonesian mining assets over labor and political disputes that may occur.

The American Supply Association (ASA) and its Industrial Piping Division (IPD) is the national organization serving wholesaler-distributors and their suppliers in the industrial and mechanical pipe-valve-fitting industry.  As a powerful alliance of channel partners, we provide a forum for your upstream trading partners to exchange critical information and address key issues.

In particular, ASA’s IPD members constantly check the pulse of the materials and commodities they proudly supply to you.  ASA’s IPD members are knowledgeable industry leaders, and those who volunteer their service on the IPD Executive Council compile and prepare the IPD Commodity Reports.  The Reports contain some of the most current and qualified market data and information available from the industry’s leading manufacturers and distributors about emerging trends and other price-influencing actions and events.

This information is an example of how ASA’s IPD manufacturer and distributor members are constantly looking ahead to ensure you have information and resources you need to be successful.  Learn more at www.AdvanceYourAbility.com.