Russia

US triggered 'copper race' by imposing export duties — Rosneft CEO

TASS English · 2026-09-04

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin stated that the US has initiated a global "copper race" by imposing export duties and increasing copper stockpiling, leading to a surge in copper prices and a doubling of Russian copper supplies to China. • Why it matters: The rise in copper prices and increased supply dynamics are significant as copper is essential for developing new energy systems, impacting global markets and energy strategies. • What to watch next: Monitor the ongoing developments at the Eastern Economic Forum and any further actions by the US regarding export duties, as well as Russia's response to these market changes.

Eastern Economic ForumUS triggered 'copper race' by imposing export duties — Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin said that supplies of copper ore and concentrate also doubled during the first seven months of this yearVLADIVOSTOK, September 4. /TASS/. The US has started a global "copper race" by imposing export duties and speeding up the stockpiling of copper reserves, Igor Sechin, CEO of Rosneft and Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on the Strategy for the Development of the Fuel and Energy Sector and Environmental Security, said. "It is worth emphasizing copper, a key element in the development of a new type of energy system. The US has launched a global copper race by imposing export duties and stepping up the stockpiling of copper reserves, which has pushed the price of the metal to record highs. Meanwhile, Russia doubled its supplies of copper concentrate and copper to China last year," he said at the Russia-China Energy Business Forum, held on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). Supplies of copper ore and concentrate also doubled during the first seven months of this year, he added. The Eastern Economic Forum is being held on September 1-4 in Vladivostok on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU). The main theme of the EEF in 2026 is "The Far East: Development for the Benefit of People." The event is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Russian Government. TASS is the general media partner. 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Source: TASS English
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