ICSG preliminary data shows copper production rising in first four months of 2025

According to preliminary data from the International Copper Study Group (ICSG), global copper production increased by 2% in the first four months of 2025.

In Peru, copper output from mines rose 5% from a year earlier. The Republic of Congo produced about 8% more metal, mainly due to the expansion of the Kamoa-Kakula mine. Mongolia ramped up its copper concentrate production by 25%, and Chile saw a 3.5% expansion in output. 

However, the growth was partly offset by lower production elsewhere. In Indonesia, copper output fell by 42%, largely due to maintenance at the Grasberg facility.

Between January and April 2025, refined copper output expanded about 3.2%, with primary production up 3.3% and secondary production up 3.1%. Global consumption of refined metal rose 3.3%. Over the first four months of 2025, the refined copper market was facing a surplus of about 233,000 tons.

Demand in China, which accounts for 58% of total world refined copper usage, grew by 6%. At the same time, the country’s net imports of refined metal fell 11%. Demand outside China was virtually unchanged, the ICSG added.