Copper prices have climbed to nearly $13,500 a ton, marking a significant milestone for the industrial metal that has seen its value triple over the last decade.

The commodity, which traded below $4,500 a ton ten years ago, is now benefiting from a structural shift in global demand dynamics.

Industry insiders are forecasting that demand could soar by 50% in the coming years, driven by the accelerating transition to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and broader infrastructure development.

Industry insiders are forecasting that demand could soar by 50% in the coming years, driven by the accelerating transition to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and broader infrastructure development.

The rally in copper underscores a broader rotation in market sentiment toward industrial commodities, distinct from the recent recovery seen in precious metals.

While gold and silver have extended their gains on shifting expectations for US monetary policy, copper’s ascent is rooted in physical supply-demand fundamentals.

The metal is critical for electrification projects, including power grids, data centers, and EV charging networks, making it a key barometer for global industrial activity.