What the copper shortage means for metal investors

This article is sponsored by Sprott Asset Management USA and its [Resource Exploration and Development Limited Partnership fund]( or RED PP Fund for short. The RED PP Fund is a limited partnership offering that distills Sprott's global research efforts and private placement origination capabilities into a single investment vehicle. By pooling client capital under a disciplined investment rationale, the fund aims to provide participants with exposure to the resource and development sectors. This collective approach empowers the fund to dictate better terms on deals, which means there could be better returns for its partners. RED PP Fund has a limited number of slots, and they are filling up quickly. [LEARN MORE]( Dear reader, The markets are currently struggling with a global copper shortage, driven by broken supply streams and higher demand pressures as China reopens and the push toward electrification continues. One primary factor behind this shortage is ongoing protests in Peru, which has been facing unrest ever since former President Pedro Castillo was impeached last December. Peru, which accounts for 10% of the global copper supply, has been pushed to a near-standstill in recent months as the disruption continues. Meanwhile, Chile, the largest copper producer in the world with 27% of global supply, chalked up a year-on-year decline of 7% last November. When you combine this with plans worldwide to massively ramp up the production of electric vehicles and their related charging stations, it's easy to see how a copper squeeze occurs. analysts are seeing this as more than a flash-in-the-pan issue. "We're already forecasting major deficits in copper to 2030," Robin Griffin, Wood Mackenzie's Vice President of Metals and Mining, told CNBC in February. But what does this mean for the price of copper? Interestingly, since the beginning of the year, we've seen a steep rise and then a steady fall, resulting in copper prices remaining relatively flat year-to-date. Clearly, there are competing pressures on the metal. For one thing, so far, the economic rebound for China, which consumes 52% of the world's copper, has been less dramatic than expected. With an economic growth target of around 5% for 2023, we're seeing fewer ambitious goals from the country than in previous years. At the same time, construction spending in the U.S. has declined by $1.8 billion—that's a serious contraction of an industry that accounts for 46% of copper demand in the U.S. As South American supply eventually (possibly) comes online, and stranded assets in the Democratic Republic of the Congo begin exporting their stores of copper once again (eventually), we may end up facing less of a shortage than headlines may suggest. All in all, it's a conflicting story with many moving pieces. Goldman Sachs predicts copper will hit record levels in 2023, while CIBC expects a recession to hamper anticipated demand. Our take is that the long-term view for copper remains bullish, but investors must be careful of a potential recession and further market contractions in the space in the short term. Want to participate in mining and exploration private placements? Sprott's Resource Exploration and Development Limited Partnership Fund. [LEARN MORE]( The RED PP Fund is designed to be a one-stop shop for resource investors interested in participating in high-risk, potentially high-reward private placements. It's a pool of capital that allows ordinary investors to leverage the experience of longstanding actors in the natural resource sectors, supported by Sprott's comprehensive research apparatus and considerable industry reach Important Disclosure Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments, commentary, and statements are that of the author. They may not be reflective of investments and commentary in other strategies managed by Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc., Sprott Asset Management LP, Sprott Inc., or any other Sprott entity or affiliate. Opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may vary widely from the opinions of other Sprott affiliated Portfolio Managers or investment professionals. The information provided is general in nature and is provided with the understanding that it may not be relied upon as, nor considered to be, the rendering of tax, legal, accounting, or professional advice. Readers should consult their own accountants and/or lawyers for advice on their specific circumstances before taking any action. Views expressed regarding a particular company, security, industry, or market sector should not be considered an indication of the trading intent of any investment funds managed by Sprott Asset Management LP. These views are not to be considered investment advice, nor should they be considered a recommendation to buy or sell. Inflation could continue above the U.S.'s two-percent target for a long time, making holding real assets like gold and silver ever more attractive as a hedge against lower purchasing power. Full Disclosure: Sprott Asset Management US. is a paid sponsor of [PrivatePlacements.com](. Disclaimer: The service and the contents are provided by the sender and other information providers on an "as is" basis. The sender and any and all other information providers expressly disclaim any and all warranties, express or implied any information herein or on [PrivatePlacements.com](. [PrivatePlacements.com]( and its and its owner and its owner's directors, employees, consultants, contractors, agents, and the like ("Representatives"), do not give any tax or investment advice; and do not advocate the purchase or sale of any security or investment. Contents are intended as general information. None of the contents constitutes an: (1) offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy by Blender Media and/or its representatives any security or other investment; (2) offer by [PrivatePlacements.com]( or its owner and/or their representatives to provide investment services of any kind; and/or (3) invitation, inducement, or encouragement by Blender Media and/or its representatives to any person to make any kind of investment decision. You should not rely on the content for investment or trading purposes. Securities or other investments referred to in any of the contents may not be suitable for you, and you should not make any kind of investment decision in relation to them without first obtaining independent investment advice from a person authorised to give it. All communications by [PrivatePlacements.com]( are subject to its terms of use and disclaimer, which can be viewed [here]( and [here](. Copyright © 2023 PrivatePlacements.com, All rights reserved. [Terms of Use]( and [Disclaimer]( You are receiving this email because you opted-in via our website, or have requested to be a subscriber. Our mailing address is: PrivatePlacements.com 422 Richards St. Suite 170Vancouver, BC V6B 2Z4 Canada [Add us to your address book]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.