Now Reading: India’s copper demand rises 12% in FY26 to 2,100 KT
-
01
India’s copper demand rises 12% in FY26 to 2,100 KT
The Story in Brief
India's copper demand grew 12% year-on-year in FY26 (April 2025-March 2026) to 2,100 kilotonnes, outpacing the country's 7.7% GDP growth, according to data released by the International Copper Association India (ICA India) on 22 October. The growth accelerated from 9.3% in FY25, when demand was 1,878 KT. Infrastructure was the largest driver, rising 29% and accounting for 22% of total copper demand.
The automotive sector rebounded with 14% growth, supported by higher sales of passenger and commercial vehicles and tractors. Electric-vehicle sales rose 19%, pushing EV penetration to 9%, which created 37 KT of copper demand. Building and construction grew 9%, driven by premium housing projects and commercial real estate activity. Data centre installations contributed less than 1% of demand. Domestic refined copper production reached 704 KT, meeting 58% of demand, the rest was met through scrap, with imported scrap at 274 KT.
Indian Opinion Analysis
All three outlets report the same core figures from ICA India and attribute them to the same association data and its managing director. The coverage is uniform straight reporting with no discernible slant or stance variation. The implications lie in the sectoral detail: infrastructure accounted for 22% of copper demand and grew 29%, automotive rebounded 14% after a subdued year, and building & construction grew 9% on premium housing. The data centres segment is still nascent at under 1%. The dependency on imported scrap of 274 KT is noted as a future challenge, but the story provides no pending decision, deadline or next step from any official body.
Coverage: 3 sources, 3 neutral
Sources (3): thehindubusinessline.com (neutral report), cnbctv18.com (neutral report), economictimes.indiatimes.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
