Copper
Learn more about copper and view copper price charts
Copper is one of the most commonly used of the base metals, and when in high demand, copper is a reliable indicator of our economic health. But its importance isn’t confined to electrical wires and thermal conductors.
Copper also plays a vital role in the rise of renewable energies and the production of electric vehicles, helping us transition to a low-carbon economy.
Our team of experts provides global and local data-driven insights, prices, forecasts and market news to help you make sense of the forces influencing the copper market. Our expert analysis provides critical insights to help you predict future trends for win-win outcomes in your contract negotiations.
Inquire about our copper market analysis and price data
Inform your base metals strategy with metals price forecasts and analysis for the global base metals industry
Market-reflective copper price data spanning the copper supply chain, from copper concentrates and copper wire to copper scrap
Find out how we assess and forecast prices for the global metals market
What’s ahead in the copper market?
As copper prices reach record highs and analysts warn of ‘unsustainable deficits’, we explore the key trends shaping the copper market:
- How copper demand growth is being spurred by the energy transition
- Copper production forecasts and the struggle to keep up with demand
- Copper recycling and predictions for the future
- Data on forecast copper deficit
- The emerging challenges for copper smelters
- Whether current copper trends can be sustained
There has been a freefall in copper concentrates treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs) this year amid tighter supply in the market. In 2025, supply tightness is projected to keep copper concentrates TC/RCs low on average for the whole year, sources told Fastmarkets.
Unlike most other commodities, cobalt is primarily a by-product – with 60% derived from copper and 38% from nickel – so how will changes in those markets change the picture for cobalt in the coming months following a year of price weakness and oversupply in 2024?
Copper recycling will become increasingly critical as the world transitions to cleaner energy systems, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a special report published early this week.
Chinese authorities officially announced that they will be expanding the range of permitted recycled copper and aluminium imports from mid-November, but market participants Fastmarkets spoke to at a conference this week are not convinced that this will mean more material will be imported into the country in the short run.
Unprecedented supply tightness and record low treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs) are likely to challenge copper smelters in 2025 – even more than in 2024, sources told Fastmarkets.
Copper concentrate treatment charges (TCs) are expected to remain low in 2025, with the market likely to remain tight, sources from across the industry told Fastmarkets.
A trusted reflection of the copper markets, even at their most volatile
Delivered to you from reporters embedded in the copper markets all over the world.
Our forecasting helps you understand supply and demand dynamics and price changes
Grow and protect your profits
Insights-rich, immersive experiences for current and future market participants
Commodity markets move fast. Keep up with the Fastmarkets platform
Whether you’re interested in learning how to become a customer from our sales teams or looking to get in touch with one of our reporters, we’re here for you.
Navigate uncertainty and make business decisions with confidence using our price data, forecasts and critical intelligence.