Copper shortage forecasts have been circulating among commodity analysts, suggesting structural supply constraints could emerge in the medium term. That said, the timeline is substantial—most projections point toward a decade or longer before acute scarcity materializes. Meanwhile, metal prices have already climbed considerably from historical baselines. This creates an interesting tension: while the long-term supply thesis has merit, current valuations may already price in much of the anticipated risk. For traders considering exposure, it's crucial to weigh whether near-term entry makes sense given the extended wait time and elevated spot prices. The trade carries genuine execution risk despite the underlying supply story holding water.