India’s copper demand up 12% in FY26 at 2,100 KT led by automotive, infra

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Copper remained central to sectors such as infrastructure, automotive and building and construction sectors through its use in wires and cables

By BL Chennai Bureau

Updated - October 22, 2026 at 12:59 PM.

India’s copper demand accelerated to 12 per cent in the 2025-26 fiscal to 2,100 kilotonne (KT), led by infrastructure, automotive, and building & construction sectors, according to the Annual Copper Demand Data for FY2026 released by the International Copper Association India (ICA India).

The demand was higher than the 9.3 per cent demand growth recorded in the previous fiscal, when it was 1,878 KT. It significantly outpaced the country’s 7.7 per cent GDP growth during the period.

Copper remained central to sectors such as infrastructure, automotive and building and construction sectors through its use in wires and cables, transformers, motors, automotive harnesses and other products used in electrical and industrial sectors.

Mayur Karmarkar, Managing Director, International Copper Association India, said, “India’s economic activity momentum is reflected in the rising demand for copper. Favourable policies promoting investments in infrastructure, industrialisation and clean energy transition will continue to drive copper demand.”

Largest driver

Infrastructure was the largest driver of incremental demand in FY2026. The sector, which accounts for 22 per cent of India’s total copper demand, grew 29 per cent year-on-year. 

India added a record 37 GW of solar capacity during the year-double the capacity added in FY2025-while wind capacity additions rose 46 per cent to 6 GW. This growth reflected the progress of India’s Panch Amrit strategy, as the country scales renewable energy capacity, strengthens grid infrastructure and advances its net-zero vision, said ICA.

The automotive sector rebounded after subdued growth in FY2025. Copper demand from the sector rose 14 per cent, supported by higher sales of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and tractors. Electric-vehicle sales increased 19 per cent, led primarily by electric two-wheelers and four-wheelers. As a result, the overall penetration of EVs increased to 9 per cent in FY26, creating copper demand of 37 KT in FY2026. EVs require four times more copper than ICE vehicles.

Premium housing projects aid

Building & construction, which contributes about one-fourth of India’s copper demand, grew 9 per cent year-on-year. Demand for building wire, power cables, construction hardware and household accessories was supported by premium housing projects, commercial real estate activity and continued urbanisation. Data centre installations are still in a nascent stage and contributed less than 1 per cent to total demand, the association said.

 Karmarkat said domestic refined copper production in FY26 reached 704 KT, a growth of 23 per cent year-on-year. “Overall, refined copper supply contributed to 58 per cent of total demand and the rest 42 per cent was met through the scrap route,” he said. 

Going forward, the dependency on imported scrap, amounting to 274 KT, will remain a challenge due to circular economy policies and recycling promoted in various countries. This makes it imperative to focus on additional smelting and refining capacities to meet future demand,” he said.

Published on October 22, 2026

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