METALS-London copper eases on firmer dollar, tariff risks

NEW DELHI, Feb 25 (Reuters) - London copper prices edged lower on Tuesday, pressured by a stronger dollar and concerns over metal demand following U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff plans.

Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) CMCU3 was down 0.3% at $9,464 a metric ton, as of 0208 GMT.

The dollar strengthened, after falling to its lowest point in more than two months at the start of the week, buoyed by safe-haven flows after Trump said tariffs on Mexico and Canada would proceed as planned. USD/

A stronger dollar makes commodities priced in U.S. currency more expensive for buyers using other currencies.

Trump said that tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports are "on time and on schedule," despite the efforts by both countries to strengthen border security and curb the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. ahead of the March 4 deadline.

"Looking ahead, markets will continue to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical and macroeconomic landscape," Benchmark Mineral Intelligence said in a note.

"Separately, the markets will closely monitor any developments ahead of the implementation of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico from March 5. Meanwhile, China's Two Sessions policymakers' meeting are set to kick off next week, which could shine a light on China's stimulus policy pathway and response to Trump's trade policy," it said.

Among other metals, LME aluminium CMAL3 dropped 0.8% to $2,635.5, LME zinc CMZN3 shed 0.5% at $2,837, nickel CMNI3 lost 0.3% to $15,395, tin CMSN3 fell 0.3% to $33,145 and lead CMPB3 gained 0.1% to $1,989.5.

SHFE aluminium SAFcv1 eased 1.2% to 20,480 yuan ($2,822.03) a ton, SHFE copper SCFcv1 fell 0.3% at 77,000 yuan, zinc SZNcv1 slid 1.7% to 23,610 yuan, nickel SNIcv1 dipped 0.7% to 124,510 yuan, lead SPBcv1 gained 0.3% to 17,155 yuan, while tin SSNcv1 eased 0.9% to 263,260 yuan.

($1 = 7.2572 Chinese yuan)

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