China's Copper Imports Slump as Economy Slows and Trade Stalls

China’s monthly copper imports dropped for the first time this year -- joined by declines in iron ore and soybeans -- as economic growth slows in the world’s biggest consumer of commodities amid a simmering trade row with the U.S.

Oft cited as a market indicator for economic health, the metal has been under pressure since the summer, threatening to unwind a three-year rally. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. warned in a note this week that conversations with copper investors revealed increasing worries over China’s economy. This concern was backed up by broader trade figures Saturday that showed growth in imports and exports faltering over the month, as tensions with the U.S. stall trade.