MethodologyContact usLogin
Copper’s essential role in the energy transition is creating a volatile and dynamic market. A series of production problems has hit mine output around the world, leaving smelters scrambling for copper concentrates. The strong demand for copper concentrates has pushed the treatment charges and refining charges (TC/RCs) down to record lows. Meanwhile, the price for refined copper has hit all-time highs on the LME. Yet, as we switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy, copper demand is expected to soar.
To help you navigate this complex market, we aim to bring you reliable and timely intelligence and analysis on copper, including both copper concentrates TC/RCs plus the implied smelter and trading buying levels. As these copper prices have broken through record levels, they’ve come under scrutiny from the industry. The divergence between between the spot TC price and the traditional, negotiated benchmark is disrupting the industry.
If you’d like to talk to us about our copper price data, news and market analysis, get in touch today.
Fastmarkets focuses on understanding the market dynamics through a process known as price discovery. Fastmarkets price reporters determine the current market evaluation of individual prices within the copper market by talking to those who buy, sell and trade copper.
Our subscribers get price data based on weekly and monthly price assessments that reflect the tradeable value in the open and competitive market. Our price data helps subscribers tackle:
Fastmarkets price data is trusted globally by thousands of companies. With over 130 years of experience in benchmarking commodities, our team of more than 200 expert price reporters and analysts ensure the most market-reflective commodity prices that are auditable and adhere to IOSCO-compliant methodologies.
Beyond price reporting, our team of experts also provide you with analysis and actionable insights on trading strategies and market and regulatory structures so you can make confident judgements about the industry. Learn more about the global team below.
Tightness in raw material supply has driven Fastmarkets’ copper and zinc treatment charges (TCs) to all-time lows, while lead concentrate TCs have hit intra-year lows. Fastmarkets looks at the common themes driving the downward movements
China’s exports of refined copper rose to an eight-year high in May, with exports expected to stay elevated through June, sources told Fastmarkets in the week to Friday June 21
Copper concentrate treatment and refining charges have repeatedly fallen to record-low levels over the first five months of 2024
Trading in the spot copper concentrate market in Asia was sluggish in the week to Friday May 31, with smelters not actively looking for spot units, sources said
Record-high prices for refined copper metal and a shortage of copper concentrates have caught the attention of investors. Bringing new, large-scale supply to the market is not simple or quick, but brownfield expansions and scrap supply may offer a quicker response
Sources from across the copper concentrate industry told Fastmarkets that some miners are becoming more cautious of their counterparty risk – the risk that the other party in a transaction may not fulfill its part of the deal – with copper concentrate terms being agreed as far out as 2028.
Our price data is market-reflective and backed by IOSCO-compliant methodologies.
We have a global team of experts working exclusively on copper.
We partner with major metals exchanges across the world, such as the LME, CME and SGX.
Robust presence in the Chinese market as well as key growth markets.
Metal Bulletin • American Metal Market • Scrap Price Bulletin • Industrial Minerals • RISI • FOEX • The Jacobsen • Agricensus • Palm Oil Analytics • Random Lengths • FastMarkets and more
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.
Speak to our team
Navigate uncertainty and make business decisions with confidence using our battery raw materials price data, forecasts and critical intelligence.
Learn more