Futures prices for copper and silver in New York have soared above international benchmark prices, as traders ramp up bets that Trump will impose high import tariffs on both metals. COMEX near-month silver futures on Thursday were priced at more than $0.80 per ounce above London spot silver prices, nearing December's peak. COMEX near-month copper was also priced at a premium of $623 per ton over LME copper for the same period, close to record levels during last year's historic short squeeze that rocked the global copper market. Since last year, traders have been scrambling to transport copper to U.S. warehouses to capitalize on soaring prices. A similar situation has been ongoing since New York silver prices began to surge. Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, stated, 'At the beginning of this year, investors around the world have been seeking protection against tricky and potentially rising inflation, concerns about fiscal debt, and Trump's unpredictability.' The surge in COMEX prices 'is undoubtedly part of the story of Trump's unpredictability.'