MethodologyContact usSupportLogin
Copper’s essential role in the energy transition is creating a volatile and dynamic market. A series of production problems has hit mine output around the world, leaving smelters scrambling for copper concentrates. The strong demand for copper concentrates has pushed the treatment charges and refining charges (TC/RCs) down to record lows. Meanwhile, the price for refined copper has hit all-time highs on the LME. Yet, as we switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy, copper demand is expected to soar.
To help you navigate this complex market, we aim to bring you reliable and timely intelligence and analysis on copper, including both copper concentrates TC/RCs plus the implied smelter and trading buying levels. As these copper prices have broken through record levels, they’ve come under scrutiny from the industry. The divergence between between the spot TC price and the traditional, negotiated benchmark is disrupting the industry.
If you’d like to talk to us about our copper price data, news and market analysis, get in touch today.
Fastmarkets focuses on understanding the market dynamics through a process known as price discovery. Fastmarkets price reporters determine the current market evaluation of individual prices within the copper market by talking to those who buy, sell and trade copper.
Our subscribers get price data based on weekly and monthly price assessments that reflect the tradeable value in the open and competitive market. Our price data helps subscribers tackle:
Fastmarkets price data is trusted globally by thousands of companies. With over 130 years of experience in benchmarking commodities, our team of more than 200 expert price reporters and analysts ensure the most market-reflective commodity prices that are auditable and adhere to IOSCO-compliant methodologies.
Beyond price reporting, our team of experts also provide you with analysis and actionable insights on trading strategies and market and regulatory structures so you can make confident judgements about the industry. Learn more about the global team below.
The copper concentrate market was already tight, but the addition of major new smelting capacity this year – starting with the expansion of Freeport’s Gresik smelter in Indonesia — will likely mean maintenance breaks, capacity curtailments and potentially even closures while operating costs start to become untenable, Fastmarkets understands.
A rapid change in the spot copper concentrate market since October has sent a clear signal of fiercer competition to secure copper concentrates in 2024, which will be felt in other copper raw materials markets, like blister and anodes, sources told Fastmarkets
Spot trading in the copper concentrate market was inactive in the week to Friday September 29, with Chinese participants in holiday mode ahead of China’s weeklong break for the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day (September 29-October 6)
Our price data is market-reflective and backed by IOSCO-compliant methodologies.
We have a global team of experts working exclusively on copper.
We partner with major metals exchanges across the world, such as the LME, CME and SGX.
Robust presence in the Chinese market as well as key growth markets.
Metal Bulletin • American Metal Market • Scrap Price Bulletin • Industrial Minerals • RISI • FOEX • The Jacobsen • Agricensus • Palm Oil Analytics • Random Lengths • Hardwood Market Report • FastMarkets and more
Whether you’re interested in learning how to become a customer from our sales teams or looking to get in touch with one of our reporters, we’re here for you.
Speak to our team
Navigate uncertainty and make business decisions with confidence using our price data, forecasts and critical intelligence.
Learn more