Prices of copper dipped on Tuesday, as surging COVID-19 infections in China hit its industrial activities and raised concerns over near-term demand outlook, though a weaker U.S. dollar limited losses.

Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was down 0.2% to $8,303.50 a tonne by 0737 GMT, reversing gains from the previous session that was supported by China's pledge to boost its economy.

But the world's top metals consumer is currently seeing a wave of surging infections.