Copper futures settled lower on Tuesday as a stronger US dollar makes copper less attractive for buyers holding other currencies. Copper prices weakened further after data showed China's copper imports in April declined 12.5% from the prior year. Meanwhile, investors are cautiously waiting for US inflation data later this week to get clarity on the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy.
Copper futures for July delivery lost $0.0280 to settle at $3.9015 a pound on the Comex metals division of New York Mercantile Exchange. However, Copper on the London Metal Exchange was up by 0.12 percent at $8,591.50 a ton.