Copper futures climbed above $6.3 per pound, hitting three-week highs as production in Chile declined due to a combination of water shortages, lower ore grades, unplanned maintenance, the transition from oxide to sulfide mining, and labor disputes. Chile’s monthly economic activity index has recorded consecutive declines this year, largely reflecting weaker mining activity and reduced copper output across several major operations. Chile accounts for roughly 50% of global copper exports, with the metal contributing more than 10% of the country’s GDP. Copper prices also benefited from softer-than-expected US inflation data that eased concerns for a imminent Federal Reserve rate hikes. Meanwhile, traders continued to monitor escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the resulting demand shock offsetting concerns over potential supply disruptions.

Copper rose to 6.35 USD/Lbs on July 16, 2026, up 0.84% from the previous day. Over the past month, Copper's price has fallen 2.08%, but it is still 15.95% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Historically, Copper reached an all time high of 6.67 in June of 2026. Copper - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on July 16 of 2026.

Copper rose to 6.35 USD/Lbs on July 16, 2026, up 0.84% from the previous day. Over the past month, Copper's price has fallen 2.08%, but it is still 15.95% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Copper is expected to trade at 6.41 USd/LB by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 7.04 in 12 months time.



Price Day Month Year Date
Gold 4,029.47 -30.83 -0.76% -5.40% 20.69% Jul/16
Silver 57.03 -0.713 -1.23% -16.00% 49.48% Jul/16
Copper 6.34 0.0491 0.78% -2.14% 15.88% Jul/16
Steel 3,115.00 -1.00 -0.03% 0.94% 0.16% Jul/16
Lithium 154,000.00 0 0% -8.88% 137.11% Jul/15
Platinum 1,673.00 31.30 1.91% -6.69% 13.72% Jul/16
Iron Ore 98.88 -0.04 -0.04% -2.73% 1.88% Jul/15



Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Chile Copper Production 399.95 434.49 Thousands of Tonnes Apr 2026
Peru Copper Production 238464.00 223263.00 Tonnes Mar 2026

Copper
Copper is one of the most widely used industrial metals in the world and is closely monitored as a barometer of global economic activity. It plays a critical role in construction, electronics, power generation, and renewable energy systems, making its price sensitive to changes in industrial demand and economic growth. Copper futures are actively traded on major exchanges, including the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the COMEX. Standard contracts typically represent 25,000 pounds of copper. On the supply side, Chile accounts for the largest share of global copper mining, followed by Democratic Republic of the Congo, Peru, China, and the United States. Major consumers and importers of copper include China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Germany. Copper prices displayed on Trading Economics are based on over-the-counter (OTC) and contract for difference (CFD) financial instruments and are intended to provide a general market reference only. These prices do not represent official benchmark prices. The data is supplied by a third party and, while efforts are made to ensure its reliability, Trading Economics does not verify the data and makes no representations or warranties.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
6.35 6.29 6.67 0.60 1988 - 2026 USd/LB Daily

News Stream
Copper Rises on Declining Chile Output
Copper futures climbed above $6.3 per pound, hitting three-week highs as production in Chile declined due to a combination of water shortages, lower ore grades, unplanned maintenance, the transition from oxide to sulfide mining, and labor disputes. Chile’s monthly economic activity index has recorded consecutive declines this year, largely reflecting weaker mining activity and reduced copper output across several major operations. Chile accounts for roughly 50% of global copper exports, with the metal contributing more than 10% of the country’s GDP. Copper prices also benefited from softer-than-expected US inflation data that eased concerns for a imminent Federal Reserve rate hikes. Meanwhile, traders continued to monitor escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the resulting demand shock offsetting concerns over potential supply disruptions.
2026-07-14
Copper Slips on Geopolitical Jitters
Copper futures fell to around $6.16 per pound, giving back some of last week’s gains as escalating tensions in the Middle East kept inflationary pressures and interest-rate hike expectations in focus, clouding the demand outlook for industrial metals. The US carried out its fourth strike in a week against Iran on Sunday in retaliation for an Iranian attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship. Tehran declared that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed "until further notice," though the claim was dismissed by the US Central Command. Rising oil prices revived concerns over inflation and tighter monetary policy, with markets expecting the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at least once before the end of the year. Investors are now awaiting key US inflation data and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s appearance before the US Congress this week. Copper, widely regarded as a barometer of global economic growth, remained highly sensitive to changes in the economic and monetary policy outlook.
2026-07-13
Copper Rebounds as Risk Appetite Improves
Copper futures climbed to around $6.26 per pound on Friday, reversing losses from earlier this week as investor appetite for risk assets improved, led by a rebound in semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related stocks. Market participants also looked past the renewed fighting in the Middle East after reports indicated that the US and Iran will continue peace negotiations aimed at securing a lasting resolution to the conflict. Meanwhile, oil prices retreated from recent highs, helping ease inflation concerns and reduce fears of aggressive interest rate hikes, which improved the outlook for manufacturing activity. Even so, markets continue to expect the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at least once this year. Copper, often viewed as a barometer of global economic growth, remained sensitive to shifts in the economic and monetary policy outlook.
2026-07-10