Copper prices edged up on Wednesday, after hitting their highest level in 6 weeks in the previous session, supported by tight supply outside the United States and declining inventories, but gains were limited by Chinese buyers' resistance to high prices and rising inflation concerns.

The benchmark three-month copper price on the London Metal Exchange rose 0.1% to $13,894 per metric ton by 09:30 GMT, after touching its highest level in more than 6 weeks on Tuesday at $13,934, according to Reuters.

Alistair Munro, senior base metals strategist at brokerage Marex, said: 'The halt before the $14,000 level reminds everyone that China is not chasing high prices; rather it tends to buy on dips.'

Copper prices came under pressure from a stronger dollar alongside a rise in crude oil prices overnight, as interest rate markets reflected increasing inflation risks.

Oil prices rose to their highest in nearly 6 weeks, as tensions escalated in the Middle East, while the dollar index gained over the past four sessions, before edging slightly lower on Wednesday, as traders awaited possible Japanese intervention to support the weak yen.

A stronger dollar makes dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for buyers using other currencies.

In Shanghai, the most-traded copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange hit its highest since June 3 at 106,760 yuan per ton, driven by tight local supply.

Craig Lang, senior analyst at CRU Group, said trade flows continue to head toward the United States, driven by the price spread between the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the London Metal Exchange, ahead of Washington's decision on imposing tariffs on refined copper.

He added that smelter maintenance and the impact of hurricanes on storage are squeezing supply in China, while a shortage of scrap metal is boosting demand for refined copper.

The Yangshan copper premium, a gauge of Chinese import demand, rose to its highest since November 2022, reaching $115 per ton on Wednesday.

In other metal markets, aluminum on the London Metal Exchange rose 0.7% to $3,179 per ton, zinc climbed 0.9% to $3,585.50, lead added 0.5% to $1,877.50, nickel gained 0.3% to $17,135, and tin increased 0.4% to $54,100.