Metals Gain as Chinese Trade Data Indicates Robust Demand

Copper was little changed as traders digested strong Chinese trade data that pointed to healthy demand in the world’s most important market for industrial commodities.

Despite tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, growth in shipments from China unexpectedly accelerated in July as suppliers turned to alternative markets. The total value of exports jumped 7.2% from a year earlier, beating economists’ forecasts for 5.6% growth.