In Q1 2024, the global copper rod market exhibited a notable upward trend, driven by robust demand from key sectors such as construction, electronics, and renewable energy. China, as the largest producer and consumer, experienced a significant increase in copper rod prices due to heightened industrial activity and infrastructure investments aligned with its economic growth initiatives. Similarly, India, the USA, and the UK reported rising trends in copper rod prices, spurred by expanding manufacturing, infrastructure projects, and the adoption of green technologies. The synchronized increase across these regions underscores the growing importance of copper in global economic development and the transition toward sustainable energy solutions.
In Q2 2024, the copper rod market saw upward price movements across key global regions, with notable increases in China, India, the USA, and the UK. In China, rising demand for copper rod, driven by industrial growth and seasonal demand spikes, led to a steady price increase. Similarly, India experienced a surge in copper rod prices due to growing demand in the electrical and construction sectors. Both the USA and UK saw price rises as well, supported by increased demand for copper rod in the automotive, telecommunications, and energy industries. This combined global trend reflected stronger market fundamentals, with tightening supply chains and heightened manufacturing activity pushing prices higher across these regions.
In Q3 2024, the global copper rod market experienced a decline across major regions, including China, India, the USA, and the UK. Prices in China saw a decrease as demand weakened amid a slowdown in industrial activity and high inventory levels, with a 6% drop compared to Q2. Similarly, India’s copper rod market faced a 5% decrease, driven by lower import costs and reduced domestic consumption. The USA and the UK also saw price reductions of 8% and 4%, respectively, reflecting lower demand from key sectors such as construction and automotive, combined with continued weak performance in copper scrap markets. The overall downward trend was a result of global economic uncertainty, weaker industrial growth, and concerns over reduced manufacturing activity, impacting both supply and demand dynamics.
In Q4 2024, the global copper rod market saw a notable upward trend, driven by increasing demand and production in key markets. In China, copper rod prices experienced a rise of approximately 3% due to stronger industrial demand, particularly in the electrical and construction sectors following the National Day holiday. Similarly, in India, prices also showed an increase, with a 4% rise attributed to higher demand for copper rods in infrastructure development and electrical applications. Both the USA and the UK saw parallel growth in copper rod prices, with the USA observing a 2% increase driven by tightening supply conditions and a rebound in manufacturing activities, while the UK benefited from a boost in industrial demand and restocking efforts. Overall, these trends reflected a global recovery in demand across several industries, strengthening market confidence in copper rod prices for the quarter.