COPPER PRICES PASS $12,000 A TON, HITTING NEW RECORD Copper prices have passed $12,000 a ton, hitting a new recordamid heavy stockpiling in the U.S. over tariff fears, lower U.S. interest rates hopes and supply concerns. Fears that the Trump administration could impose new import tariffs next year have prompted traders to ramp up shipments to the U.S., squeezing supply in other regions. Futures on the London Metal Exchange rose 1.1% to $12,049 a metric ton after closing at $11,925 a ton in the earlier session. Prices have risen more than 35% this year.(*Walter Bloomberg)