Copper futures were trading down on Monday as US President Donald Trump slapped 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports and 10% on goods from China on Saturday triggered fears of a broad trade war, while firm American currency also dampened copper sentiments. Copper prices weakened further after Chinese manufacturing activity unexpectedly declined for a second straight month in January, that fuelled concerns about demand in the world's top metal consumer.
Copper futures for March delivery lost $0.0835 or 1.95% at $4.1955 a pound on the Comex metals division of New York Mercantile Exchange.