China's Copper Bars, Wire and Plates Market to Grow at Modest Pace with CAGR of +0.1% from 2024-2035, Reaching $104B by End of Period - News and Statistics - IndexBox

Mar 24, 2025

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IndexBox has just published a new report: China - Copper Bars, Wire And Plates - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.

The article discusses the anticipated upward consumption trend of copper bars, wire, and plates in China, with a projected CAGR of +0.1% in volume and +1.6% in value from 2024 to 2035. By the end of 2035, the market volume is expected to reach 8.9M tons, with a market value of $104B (in nominal wholesale prices).

Driven by increasing demand for copper bars, wire and plates in China, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +0.1% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 8.9M tons by the end of 2035.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.6% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $104B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.

In 2024, consumption of copper bars, wire and plates in China reached 8.8M tons, almost unchanged from the previous year. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Copper bars, wire and plates consumption peaked at 9.2M tons in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.

The value of the market for copper bars, wire and plates in China rose slightly to $87.3B in 2024, with an increase of 2.3% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, the total consumption indicated a tangible expansion from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.5% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption decreased by -4.7% against 2022 indices. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $91.6B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Copper bars, wire and plates production in China expanded slightly to 8.9M tons in 2024, with an increase of 2.5% against 2023. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% over the period from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 17%. Over the period under review, production attained the peak volume at 9.2M tons in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, production remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, copper bars, wire and plates production rose to $90.8B in 2024 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated resilient growth from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.3% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, production decreased by -3.3% against 2022 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 19% against the previous year. Copper bars, wire and plates production peaked at $93.9B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2024, overseas purchases of copper bars, wire and plates decreased by -2.9% to 209K tons, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, imports saw a abrupt descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 12%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at 378K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, copper bars, wire and plates imports rose slightly to $2.3B in 2024. Over the period under review, imports recorded a pronounced contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 41% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $3.2B. From 2022 to 2024, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Japan (46K tons), Indonesia (45K tons) and Malaysia (27K tons) were the main suppliers of copper bars, wire and plates imports to China, together comprising 55% of total imports. Taiwan (Chinese), South Korea, Germany, Vietnam and Hong Kong SAR lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 37%.

From 2013 to 2023, the biggest increases were recorded for Vietnam (with a CAGR of +43.5%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest copper bars, wire and plates suppliers to China were Japan ($557M), Indonesia ($381M) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($230M), together comprising 53% of total imports. Malaysia, Germany, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR and Vietnam lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 36%.

Vietnam, with a CAGR of +36.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Copper plates, sheets and strip (89K tons), copper wire (86K tons) and copper bars, rods and profiles (37K tons) were the main products of copper bars, wire and plates imports to China.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the major product types, was attained by copper plates, sheets and strip (with a CAGR of -3.2%), while imports for the other products experienced a decline.

In value terms, copper plates, sheets and strip ($1.1B), copper wire ($899M) and copper bars, rods and profiles ($323M) appeared to be the most imported types of copper bars, wire and plates in China, with a combined 99.9% share of total imports.

Copper plates, sheets and strip, with a CAGR of -1.1%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main product categories over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced a decline.

In 2024, the average import price for copper bars, wire and plates amounted to $10,845 per ton, increasing by 6.2% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a moderate increase from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, copper bars, wire and plates import price decreased by -0.6% against 2022 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 34% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $10,912 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplied products. In 2024, the product with the highest price was copper plates, sheets and strip ($12,046 per ton), while the price for copper bars, rods and profiles ($8,837 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by copper bar, rod and profile (+2.9%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average import price for copper bars, wire and plates stood at $10,210 per ton in 2023, falling by -6.4% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a notable expansion from 2013 to 2023: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, copper bars, wire and plates import price increased by +35.0% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the average import price increased by 34%. The import price peaked at $10,912 per ton in 2022, and then contracted in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($14,443 per ton), while the price for South Korea ($7,869 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+3.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2024, exports of copper bars, wire and plates from China surged to 304K tons, growing by 39% compared with the previous year. Overall, exports posted a buoyant increase. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, copper bars, wire and plates exports surged to $3.1B in 2024. In general, exports saw a prominent increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 88%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2024 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Vietnam (31K tons), the Philippines (25K tons) and Thailand (22K tons) were the main destinations of copper bars, wire and plates exports from China, together accounting for 36% of total exports.

From 2013 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Vietnam (with a CAGR of +39.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Vietnam ($285M), the Philippines ($220M) and Thailand ($212M) appeared to be the largest markets for copper bars, wire and plates exported from China worldwide, together comprising 34% of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, Vietnam, with a CAGR of +39.3%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Copper wire (152K tons), copper plates, sheets and strip (124K tons) and copper bars, rods and profiles (26K tons) were the main products of copper bars, wire and plates exports from China.

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for copper wire (with a CAGR of +19.0%), while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, copper wire ($1.5B), copper plates, sheets and strip ($1.3B) and copper bars, rods and profiles ($271M) appeared to be the most exported types of copper bars, wire and plates from China worldwide.

In terms of the main product categories, copper wire, with a CAGR of +20.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average export price for copper bars, wire and plates stood at $10,195 per ton in 2024, rising by 4.1% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated a modest increase from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, copper bars, wire and plates export price decreased by -5.5% against 2022 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 38%. The export price peaked at $10,791 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major types of exported product. In 2024, the product with the highest price was copper plates, sheets and strip ($10,512 per ton), while the average price for exports of copper wire ($9,899 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: copper wire (+1.2%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average export price for copper bars, wire and plates stood at $9,791 per ton in 2023, waning by -9.3% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the average export price increased by 38%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $10,791 per ton in 2022, and then contracted in the following year.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major foreign markets. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to Hong Kong SAR ($11,584 per ton) and Germany ($11,331 per ton), while the average price for exports to the Philippines ($8,881 per ton) and Vietnam ($9,086 per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Hong Kong SAR (+2.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for copper bars, wire and plates in China. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

A Quick Overview of Market Performance

Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

The Largest Import Supplying Countries

The Largest Destinations for Exports

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles