Copper prices averaged USD 13,512 per metric ton in May, up 4.8% from April. On 29 May, the commodity traded at USD 13,503 per metric ton, up 4.6% from 30 April.
Copper prices rose for the second consecutive month in May, hitting fresh record highs. Demand was supported by stronger spot purchases from China, plus frontloaded buys by American companies ahead of the approaching deadline for the U.S. to decide if it wishes to impose additional tariffs on copper. Finally, an energy crisis in Peru fueled concerns over potential mining disruptions, providing further support to copper prices.
This chart displays Copper (US$/mt) from 2024 to 2026.
Copper LME (prices in US$/mt, aop)
| Q1 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | Q1 2026 | Q2 2026 | Q3 2026 | Q4 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper LME | - | 9,748 | 9,210 | 9,180 | 9,336 | 9,508 | 9,814 | 11,138 | 12,818 | - | - | - |