China’s copper semis output rose 3.5% month‑on‑month in September, supported by seasonal restocking and strong demand from high‑end sectors such as AI and EVs. Higher semis production lifts demand for copper cathode as raw material, creating upward pressure on its price.
Spot premiums for copper cathode declined as delivery approached amid a wide futures‑contract spread and subdued downstream buying. Inventories fell while withdrawals rose, pressuring prices. Premiums are expected to stay at elevated levels next week as supply tightens and demand recovers.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | China | FOB | USD 16,038.43/MT | August 2026 |
| Copper | India | CIF | USD 16,129.22/MT | August 2026 |
| Copper | USA | CIF | USD 16,194.05/MT | August 2026 |
| Copper | Brazil | CIF | USD 16,180.86/MT | August 2026 |
| Copper | Australia | CIF | USD 16,133.10/MT | August 2026 |
| Copper | China | FOB | USD 15,383.16/MT | July 2026 |
| Copper | India | CIF | USD 15,489.96/MT | July 2026 |
| Copper | USA | CIF | USD 15,570.65/MT | July 2026 |
| Copper | Brazil | CIF | USD 15,516.79/MT | July 2026 |
| Copper | Australia | CIF | USD 15,481.62/MT | July 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Copper prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In China, the average prices of Copper were ~USD 15,383.16/MT (FOB) in July and ~USD 16,038.43/MT in August, showing a ~4.3% increase. India followed closely, with average import prices rising about 4.1% from ~USD 15,489.96/MT (CIF) in July to ~USD 16,129.22/MT in August. Chinese smelters faced tight raw material supply after Congo banned concentrate exports and mine output fell in Indonesia and Congo. Chinese buyers cut imports as prices hit records, but Shanghai warehouse stocks still fell to very low levels. Exporters also shipped refined copper to the US to earn higher prices, which reduced local supply. Indian import prices followed the tight global market.
Europe
The European market tracked its global counterparts, which hit highs during the third quarter of 2026. London stocks fell steadily as metal moved to the US ahead of possible tariffs and to China, where smelters needed more feed. This created a squeeze in August, when buyers paid a large premium for immediate delivery. The squeeze eased late in August, but low stocks kept prices firm.
North America
In the USA, average copper import prices stood at nearly USD 15,570.65/MT (CIF) in July and rose to roughly USD 16,194.05/MT in August, a gain of ~4.0%. The main driver was a possible US tariff on refined copper. Traders rushed metal into the US before any tariff, which lifted imports to record levels and drained stocks elsewhere. During September, reports showed that the White House had not yet decided on the tariff, as it weighed higher manufacturing costs against support for domestic mining. This caused a brief sell-off, and the uncertainty kept copper from flowing back out of the US.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Copper prices are likely to stay high as mine supply remains tight and exchange stocks outside the US stay low. Tariff uncertainty may still cause sharp price swings.
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Asia
In China, the monthly average Copper price was ~RMB 104.76/kg in April and ~RMB 110.23/kg in the subsequent month, showing an increase of ~5.2. China’s power-grid spending, EV demand, higher refined copper intake, and falling exchange inventories supported the price rise. Feedstock tightness also added cost pressure, as concentrate supply stayed constrained due to weak mine output in key producing countries. However, weaker annual trade flows and higher refined supply capped stronger gains. Similarly, in India, the monthly average copper price was ~INR 1,389.23/kg in April and ~INR 1,463.19/kg in the subsequent month. Indian prices followed the firm global trend, supported by elevated LME levels and tight concentrate supply. Mine-side pressure remained a major factor, as global concentrate output declined in Q1’26 due to weaker production in Chile, Indonesia, and the DRC.
North America
In the United States, the monthly average copper price was ~USD 14,637.37/MT in April and ~USD 15,429.54/MT in the subsequent month, showing an increasing trend. Prices rose due to tariff risk, stock relocation, and stronger physical premiums. The White House’s June 2026 proclamation kept duties on certain metal and derivative products, while refined copper tariffs remained under review. This created uncertainty in US trade flows and encouraged inventory movement before possible policy changes.
South America
In Brazil, the monthly average copper price was ~BRL 79.23/kg in April and ~BRL 83.39/kg in the subsequent month, showing an increase of ~5%. Brazil’s market tracked global copper strength, with prices supported by LME gains, tight concentrate supply, and firm import-linked replacement costs. Regional buyers faced higher landed costs as mine-side shortages kept the global market firm.
Copper is a chemical element which is known to be a soft, ductile, and malleable metal. Copper is utilised in several areas, like as a conductor of heat and electricity. Being a metal, it has a very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Further, the element is also one of the essential dietary minerals for all the living organisms.
Cu
Electronics, Petrochemicals, Transportation, Machinery
7440-50-8, Cuprum
Umicore N.V, American Elements, MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC, Korea Zinc Co., Ltd., Jinchuan Group International Resources Co. Ltd, Glencore plc, The Doe Run Resources Corporation, Codelco Mining company, Freeport-McMoRan Inc., Broken Hill Proprietary (BHP)Group Limited, Rio Tinto plc
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Copper is mined and extracted from the ores of Copper Sulphides. Copper mining is done from large open pit mines in porphyry copper deposits. Mining is a huge process which includes several steps such as grinding, concentration and refining to finally obtain Copper.
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The report is the detailed cost analysis of Copper sulfate production by treating copper oxides with dilute sulfuric acid.
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