Copper Price Snapshot - July 31, 2026
Here is a summary of copper prices across major global markets as of July 30, 2026:
| Market | Price | Daily Change | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| LME Copper (3-month) | $13,803/ton | +$222 | ▲ +1.64% |
| COMEX Copper | 625.73 ¢/lb | +7.37 ¢/lb | ▲ +1.19% |
| SHFE Copper (1#) | ¥105,630/ton | -¥100 | ▼ -0.10% |
| 2026 YTD Average (LME) | 596.36 ¢/lb | - | ▲ +38.6% YoY |
| July 2026 Monthly Avg | 612.86 ¢/lb | - | vs. June: 615.72 ¢/lb |
Data sources: LME, COMEX (Cochilco), SHFE. Prices as of close on July 30, 2026.
Need Copper Products at Today's Price?
Lock in your rate before prices rise further. Request a quote for copper plates, tubes, rods, wire, busbars, foil, and brass alloys.
Why Copper Prices Are Rising: 4 Key Drivers
1. Supply Squeeze Intensifies
Copper concentrate treatment charges (TC) remain in negative territory, reflecting severe mine-side supply constraints. Smelters face mounting pressure, with several announcing maintenance shutdowns and production cuts. The global copper mining sector has seen years of underinvestment in new projects, and 2026 is expected to deliver near-zero or even negative supply growth. According to Guojin Securities, the 2026 global copper supply-demand gap is conservatively estimated at 830,000 tons.
2. AI Data Center Demand Surges
The artificial intelligence infrastructure boom has emerged as the single most powerful new demand driver for copper. According to Huachuang Securities, global AI data center copper consumption in 2026 is projected to reach 740,000 tons, a 48% year-on-year increase. A single AI server consumes 15–20 kg of copper - three to four times that of a traditional server - across power distribution, liquid cooling systems, and high-speed copper cable interconnects. This structural demand shift is fundamentally reshaping the copper market's long-term outlook.
3. Global Inventories at Historic Lows
Copper inventories across major exchanges are declining rapidly:
SHFE: 76,500 tons - continuing to draw down
LME: 255,400 tons (as of July 30) - down 6,900 tons in a single day, a 2.63% drop
SHFE weekly decline: 10,299 tons (-12.89%)
Low inventory levels amplify price sensitivity to any supply disruption, creating a volatile upward bias.
4. Geopolitical Tensions Amplify Volatility
Escalating US-Iran tensions have pushed Brent crude oil above $90 per barrel, reigniting inflation concerns. Copper, as a economically sensitive industrial metal, responded to both the inflation narrative and safe-haven demand. Market participants remain cautious amid ongoing diplomatic uncertainty in the Middle East.
Copper Price Forecast 2026: Major Banks See Further Upside
Leading financial institutions have been revising their copper price forecasts upward throughout 2026:
| Institution | Forecast | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Goldman Sachs | $13,735/ton | End of 2026 |
| Citi (near-term target) | $14,500/ton | Current quarter |
| Citi (6–12 month target) | $15,000/ton | 2027 H1 |
| Morgan Stanley | 600,000-ton supply gap | Full year 2026 |
| Guojin Securities | 830,000-ton supply gap | Full year 2026 |
China's domestic institutions are equally bullish. Analysts project the SHFE copper futures core trading range at ¥83,000–¥130,000/ton for 2026, with the LME three-month copper range at $10,300–$16,000/ton. The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association reported that H1 2026 profits for above-scale nonferrous enterprises surged 94% year-on-year to ¥418.39 billion, underscoring the industry's extraordinary momentum.
What Rising Copper Prices Mean for Global Buyers
For manufacturers, construction firms, and trading companies that depend on copper materials, the current price environment creates both challenges and opportunities. Here is what buyers should consider:
Procurement Timing Is Critical
With major banks forecasting further upside toward $14,000–$15,000/ton, delaying purchases may result in significantly higher costs. Buyers with confirmed near-term needs should consider locking in prices now rather than waiting for a pullback that may not materialize.
Diversify Your Product Options
Different copper product forms carry different cost structures. If your application allows flexibility, consider:
Build a Strategic Supplier Relationship
In a rising market, having a reliable supplier with competitive pricing and stable delivery is more valuable than ever. Look for partners who offer transparent pricing tied to LME rates, flexible order quantities, and proven export experience to your region.
Copper Products & Specifications
| Product | Common Grades | Typical Size Range | Available Forms | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Tubes | C11000, C12200, C12000, C70600, C71500, C68700, C44300 | OD 4–300 mm Wall Thickness 0.3–15 mm Length up to 12 m |
Straight Tube, Coil Tube, Pancake Coil, LWC Coil, U-Bend Tube | ASTM B75, ASTM B111, ASTM B280, ASTM B68, EN 12735 |
| Copper Plates | C11000, C12200, C26000, C28000 | Thickness 0.3–150 mm Width up to 1500 mm Length up to 6000 mm |
Sheet, Plate | ASTM B152, EN 1652 |
| Copper Bars | C11000, C10100, C18200 | Round: Ø5–300 mm Flat: 10 × 2 mm to 300 × 30 mm |
Round Bar, Flat Bar, Square Bar, Hex Bar | ASTM B187 |
| Copper Busbars | C11000, C10100, C10200 | Thickness 2–30 mm Width 10–300 mm Length up to 6000 mm |
Bare, Tin-Plated, Silver-Plated | ASTM B187, ASTM B152 |
| Copper Rods | C11000, C12200, C14500 | Ø5–300 mm | Round Rod, Hex Rod | ASTM B187 |
| Copper Strips | C11000, C12200, C26000, C26800 | Thickness 0.05–5 mm Width 5–600 mm |
Coil, Strip | ASTM B152 |
| Copper Wires | C11000, C10200 | Ø0.05–20 mm | Round Wire, Flat Wire | ASTM B3, ASTM B33 |
| Copper Fittings | C12200 | 1/4"–8" (DN8–DN200) | Elbows, Tees, Couplings, Reducers | ASME B16.22 |
Inside Our Manufacturing Facility
Extrusion Line
Cold Drawing
Annealing Furnace
CNC Machining
Warehouse
Packing & Loading
Quality Inspection & Testing
Chemical Composition Analysis
Dimensional Inspection
Mechanical Property Testing
Electrical Conductivity Testing
Eddy Current Testing
Surface Inspection
Inventory & Lead Time
Packaging & Shipping
Get Your Copper Quote Today
Copper prices are at historic highs and trending upward. Don't let market uncertainty delay your procurement. Our team provides:
Real-time pricing tied to LME and SHFE rates
Full product range: copper plates, tubes, rods, wire, busbars, foil, brass alloys
Global shipping with competitive logistics rates
Custom specifications to meet your exact requirements
Quality certifications and full documentation
