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The World’s Best Import Markets for Copper

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The World’s Best Import Markets for Copper

The world’s best import markets for copper play a pivotal role in the global economy, with countries like China, the United States, and Germany leading the pack. According to data from the IndexBox market intelligence platform, these countries have consistently shown high import values for copper.

1. China – Leading the Global Copper Import

Market China has emerged as the world’s largest importer of copper, with an import value of $37.2 billion in 2022. The country’s booming economy and rapid industrialization have contributed to its massive demand for copper, which is used extensively in sectors such as construction, automotive, and electronics. China’s import value for copper has been steadily increasing over the years, making it a significant player in the global copper market.

2. The United States – A Major Player in Copper Imports

The United States, as the second-largest importer of copper, recorded an import value of $6.6 billion in 2022. The country’s strong manufacturing industry and infrastructure development have bolstered its copper demand. Copper is widely used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and transportation equipment in the U.S., making it a vital component of various sectors.

3. Germany – A Thriving Copper Import Market

Germany ranks third in the world’s best import markets for copper, with an import value of $5.8 billion in 2022. The country’s robust manufacturing sector, known for its automotive and machinery production, heavily relies on copper. Furthermore, Germany’s commitment to transitioning toward renewable energy sources has increased the demand for copper in the production of solar panels and wind turbines.

4. Italy – Maintaining a Strong Copper Import Profile

Italy holds a prominent position in the global copper import market, ranking fourth with an import value of $5.5 billion in 2022. The country’s mechanical engineering industry, renowned for its precision equipment and machinery, requires significant quantities of copper for manufacturing purposes. Additionally, Italy’s construction sector also contributes to the demand for copper in the country.

5. Taiwan – A Growing Copper Import Market

Taiwan, also known as Chinese Taipei, has steadily increased its copper imports in recent years, with an import value of $3.9 billion in 2022. The country’s strong electronics and semiconductor industry relies heavily on copper for circuitry and wiring. As Taiwan continues to innovate and expand its technological capabilities, the demand for copper is expected to rise further.

6. Thailand – Importing Significant Amounts of Copper

Thailand, with an import value of $3.5 billion in 2022, remains an important market for copper. The country’s growing construction and automotive sectors drive the demand for copper. Furthermore, Thailand’s electrical and electronic industry, which produces various consumer electronics and appliances, also contributes to its significant copper imports.

7. Turkey – An Active Player in the Copper Import Market

Turkey has emerged as a noteworthy copper import market, with an import value of $3.4 billion in 2022. The country’s construction industry, which experiences continuous development and urbanization, requires substantial amounts of copper for wiring and plumbing. Additionally, Turkey’s automotive sector also contributes to its copper imports, as the country is known for its vehicle production.

8. United Arab Emirates – Importing Copper for Infrastructure Development

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively importing copper, with an import value of $3.3 billion in 2022. The country’s ambitious infrastructure development projects, such as the construction of cities and transportation networks, necessitate considerable copper imports. As the UAE continues to strive for urban expansion and economic diversification, its demand for copper is expected to remain robust.

9. South Korea – Increasing Copper Imports

South Korea’s copper imports have been steadily increasing, with an import value of $3.0 billion in 2022. The country’s strong manufacturing industry, particularly in electronics and automotive production, drives its copper demand. Moreover, South Korea’s commitment to renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, contributes to the rising need for copper.

10. Malaysia – An Impressive Copper Import Market

Malaysia has established itself as a significant copper importer, with an import value of $2.5 billion in 2022. The country’s construction industry, infrastructure projects, and electrical manufacturing sector contribute to its strong demand for copper. Malaysia’s continuous urban development and modernization further drive the need for copper in various industries.

These top import markets for copper demonstrate the global demand and significance of this versatile metal. From China’s leading position as the world’s largest copper importer to Malaysia’s impressive growth as a significant player, these countries rely on copper for their economic development and industrial production.

IndexBox market intelligence platform provides valuable insights into the world’s best import markets for copper, offering in-depth data and statistics to assist businesses and stakeholders in making informed decisions. By analyzing trends, regulations, and market dynamics, the platform equips users with vital information to navigate the complex copper import market.

In conclusion, the top import markets for copper, including China, the United States, Germany, Italy, and others, highlight the global demand and importance of this essential metal. The continued growth and development of these markets depend on the availability of copper, making it a vital component for various industries worldwide.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

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Copper Prices to Slump in 2022 on Rising Supply

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Copper – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

The average annual copper price is forecast to drop by 6% y-o-y to $8,800 per tonne this year. Boosting supply in the global copper ore market is to push prices down, while the global demand languishes with slowed construction activity in China.

According to World Bank’s data and October outlook, the average annual copper price soared by 51% y-o-y to $9,317 per tonne in 2021 but is set to decline approximately to $8,800 per tonne this year, as the global output recovers from the Сovid crisis.

The forecast is shaped by boosting copper ore supply thanks to the launch of the Kamoa-Kakula mine in the Congo, while global demand is reducing with slowed down construction activity in China. The mine owner, Canadian company Ivanhoe Mines, has announced its plans to increase production from 106K tonnes in 2021 to 340K tonnes in 2022.

Global Copper Production

In 2020, the global output of copper fell to 20M tonnes, dropping by -2.3% compared with the previous year’s figure. In value terms, copper production decreased to $136.3B, estimated at export prices.

The country with the largest volume of copper production was Chile (5.7M tonnes), accounting for 28% of total output. Moreover, copper production in Chile exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Peru (2.2M tonnes), threefold. The third position in this ranking was occupied by China (1.7M tonnes), with an 8.3% share.

Global Copper Exports

In 2020, approx. 1.7M tonnes of copper were exported worldwide, growing by 16% compared with 2019 figures. In value terms, supplies surged to $11.1B (IndexBox estimates).

Zambia represented the major exporter of copper globally, with the volume of exports amounting to 675K tonnes, which was nearly 40% of total supplies. Chile (283K tonnes) ranks second with a 17% share, followed by Bulgaria (7.1%) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (5%). Belgium (76K tonnes), Namibia (61K tonnes), Spain (56K tonnes), Slovakia (55K tonnes), South Africa (52K tonnes), Pakistan (38K tonnes), the Philippines (34K tonnes) and South Korea (31K tonnes) were a long way behind the leaders.

In value terms, Zambia ($4.2B) remains the largest copper supplier, comprising 38% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by Chile ($1.7B), with a 16% share of total supplies. It was followed by Bulgaria, with a 9.4% share.

Source: IndexBox Platform