Copper futures fell to around $6.6 per pound on Monday, extending their retreat from record highs as weaker Chinese economic data raised concerns about demand in the world’s largest consumer. China’s industrial profits rose 15.7% in the first eight months from a year earlier, down from 17.6% growth in January-July. August profits increased 4.2% year-on-year, the slowest pace since November 2025, as weak domestic demand offset gains in high-tech and AI-related manufacturing. Copper had reached fresh records last week amid supply disruptions and tariff concerns. Operations at BHP’s Escondida mine in Chile, the world’s largest copper mine, were suspended indefinitely after an accident killed a worker. Markets are also awaiting a decision by the Trump administration on possible U.S. tariffs on refined copper.