Copper futures climbed above $6.7 per pound on Friday, reaching fresh record highs as mounting global supply risks continued to support the market. The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned exports of copper concentrates, highlighting a growing trend among resource-rich nations to retain more value by expanding domestic refining and processing capacity. Concerns over potential US import tariffs on copper also continued to divert supplies from international markets into US warehouses. Meanwhile, operations at part of Codelco’s flagship El Teniente mine could remain suspended for up to two years, adding to supply concerns. On the demand side, copper remained supported by a strong outlook for power grid upgrades and data center expansion as the global shift toward electrification and artificial intelligence continued to drive consumption.