ASFM COMMODITIES | COPPER
Copper
Powering the industries shaping tomorrow.
Copper is a critical industrial metal at the centre of global infrastructure, electrification and technological development. We connect verified buyers and sellers through reliable sourcing and coordinated international trade.
01GLOBAL COPPER SUPPLY
Bingham Canyon Mine, Utah · Photo by Eric Prado, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cropped from original
GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW
Growing Demand for Copper
Copper's conductivity makes it a foundational material for power, construction, transport and modern electronics.
Copper is one of the world's most strategically important industrial metals. Its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity makes it essential to electricity networks, construction, transportation, industrial machinery and modern electronics.
Global copper demand is projected to increase as economies expand electricity infrastructure, accelerate electrification and invest in renewable energy technologies. Electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, wind and solar power, data centres and advanced manufacturing are expected to contribute to long-term demand growth.
Global annual copper demand is estimated at approximately 34 million tonnes across broad industry definitions. This is an indicative industry estimate, not a refined-copper-only measure. Some long-range outlooks project demand above 50 million tonnes by 2050.
As demand expands, reliable mine production, refining capacity, recycling and diversified international supply chains will become increasingly important to buyers and industrial consumers.
ElectrificationA major long-term demand driver
Demand figures are estimates and forecasts, not live ASFM trading statistics. The 34 Mt figure is an indicative industry estimate with a broad-use basis; definitions differ across sources. The >50 Mt long-term outlook is attributed to BHP's 2026 outlook.
GLOBAL COPPER SUPPLY
Leading Copper Producers Worldwide
Copper production is concentrated among several major mining nations, with South America and Central Africa playing particularly important roles in global supply.
Chile remains the world's leading copper-mining country, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Peru. These figures represent estimated mine production in contained copper, rather than refined copper output.
2025 ESTIMATES
Mine production by country
DATA TABLE
Production detail
| Rank | Country | Mine production |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Chile | 5.3 million tonnes |
| 02 | DR Congo | 3.2 million tonnes |
| 03 | Peru | 2.7 million tonnes |
| 04 | China | 1.8 million tonnes |
| 05 | Russia | 1.3 million tonnes |
| 06 | United States | 1.0 million tonnes |
| 07 | Zambia | 940,000 tonnes |
| 08 | Australia | 730,000 tonnes |
| 09 | Indonesia | 710,000 tonnes |
| 10 | Kazakhstan | 710,000 tonnes |
01 / GLOBAL LEADER
Chile
5.3 Mt · estimated mine productionChile is the world's largest copper-mining country, supported by extensive copper deposits and established mining infrastructure.
02 / MAJOR SUPPLY HUB
Democratic Republic of the Congo
3.2 Mt · estimated mine productionThe Democratic Republic of the Congo has become one of the world's most important copper-producing nations, supported by major mining operations in the Central African Copperbelt.
03 / SOUTH AMERICAN PRODUCER
Peru
2.7 Mt · estimated mine productionPeru is a major global copper supplier, with substantial mining operations and an important position in international copper supply chains.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026. 2025 figures are estimated mine production of contained copper; world total rounded to approximately 23 million tonnes.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
Where Is Copper Used?
Copper's versatility connects essential infrastructure with fast-growing electrification and digital systems.
01 / POWER SYSTEMS
Electrical Infrastructure
Copper's excellent electrical conductivity makes it essential for power transmission, distribution networks, transformers, electrical wiring and renewable energy infrastructure.
02 / MOBILITY
Electric Vehicles and Transportation
Copper is widely used in electric vehicle motors, batteries, charging systems, wiring and vehicle electrical components. Electrification is an important driver of future copper demand.
03 / BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Construction and Buildings
Copper is used in electrical installations, plumbing, roofing, heating and cooling systems and other building infrastructure because of its durability and conductivity.
04 / DIGITAL SYSTEMS
Electronics and Data Centres
Copper is essential in circuit boards, electronic components, data centre infrastructure, servers and communication networks.
A CLEAR ROUTE TO COMPLETION
From first call to closed deal.
A structured process keeps both parties informed through verification, introduction and shipment.
THE BRIEF
Brief
Tell us the product, quantity, specification, destination and timing.
DUE DILIGENCE
Verify
We check company documents, availability and authority to deal on both sides.
DIRECT CONTACT
Introduce
We introduce you directly once confidentiality and commission terms are signed.
COMPLETION
Close
We stay with the deal through contract, payment instrument, inspection and shipment.
Looking to buy or sell copper?
Speak with the Copper Desk