World Copper Consumption

Since the beginning of the century, industrial demand for refined copper has increased from 494 thousand to over 13,000 thousand metric tonnes.

Prior to the Second World War, demand grew at an annual rate of 3.1%. During the post war expansion years (1945 to 1973) demand grew by 4.5% per year. Since the first oil shock of 1974, demand has grown by 2.4% per year. During the 1990's, demand for copper has resumed at an above average rate of 2.9%.

Changes in Copper Consumption

From 1960 to 1997 world copper consumption leapt from 3735 kt to 13084 kt.

The industrialization of developing economies in Asia, and the drive to improve standards of living in the region, fuelled the demand for copper over the last 10 years.