Historical Rise in Copper Prices: The Strongest Year Since 2009

Historic Rise in Copper Prices

Copper prices rose by 41.9% in 2025, marking the largest annual performance since 2009. Fluctuations in the commodity markets in recent years have led to a spotlight on base metals like copper.

Key Factors

The Federal Reserve entering a rate-cutting phase, declining real interest rates, and a decrease in dollar demand were among the main factors supporting the rise in copper prices.

Copper started 2025 at $3.99 per pound. However, with Donald Trump announcing a 50% tariff on copper imports, prices surged to as high as $5.92.

Trump Administration and Price Fluctuations

Related news caused copper prices to fluctuate by 8.7%. By the end of the year, the price of copper reached $5.64 per pound, marking a historic closing price.

Supply Concerns and Price Pressures on Copper

Incidents at the Grasberg mine in Indonesia negatively impacted copper supply, playing a significant role in the price increase. This mine accounts for approximately 3.2% of the world’s copper supply.

Artificial Intelligence and Electric Vehicle Demand

The increase in investments in artificial intelligence has been another factor driving copper demand. High demand from China and the flow of copper into the US have heightened concerns about global supply tightness, supporting prices upward.

Global Demand and Future Expectations

Increased investments in electric vehicles and the modernization of global electricity grids have ensured robust copper demand. Despite economic concerns in China, demand from the US, Europe, and India continues. Additionally, copper is widely used in the defense industry.