How Much Is Copper Per Pound? Current Prices & Factors

Copper, a reddish-orange metal, is a fundamental commodity valued for its exceptional electrical conductivity and malleability. Its widespread application spans numerous industries, from construction and electronics to transportation and renewable energy systems. Copper prices are not static; they fluctuate continuously in response to global forces. Understanding these movements offers insight into broader economic trends.

Current Copper Pricing

Copper prices per pound vary by market conditions, type, and geographical location. As of late August 2025, COMEX copper futures traded around $4.5185 per pound. Broader refined copper prices were approximately $4.58 per pound. These figures represent benchmark prices for high-grade, refined copper on major exchanges.

Scrap copper, recycled material, typically trades at lower rates than refined copper due to varying purity and processing requirements. For instance, #1 Bare Bright Wire, a high-purity scrap, was priced around $3.70 per pound in late August 2025, while #1 Copper Tubing/Flashing was about $3.40 per pound. Less pure forms, such as #2 Copper Tubing/Bus Bar, traded at approximately $3.20 per pound. Local scrap yards categorize copper, with prices fluctuating based on the specific grade and cleanliness of the material.

Factors Influencing Copper Prices

Copper prices are influenced by a range of economic, industrial, and geopolitical factors. A primary driver is global supply and demand balance. Demand is tied to worldwide economic growth, as copper is integral to construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. Robust industrial activity, particularly in major consuming nations, stimulates demand for copper.

Supply-side dynamics play a significant role, with factors like mining output, production costs, and geopolitical stability in mining regions affecting availability. Disruptions such as mine closures or reduced smelter output can tighten supply, leading to price increases. For example, the closure of the Cobre Panama mine and reductions in Chinese smelter output have recently contributed to upward price pressure. Inventory levels held in major commodity exchanges, like the London Metal Exchange (LME) and Shanghai Futures Exchange (ShFE), reflect the available supply and can influence prices; declining inventories often indicate strong demand and push prices higher.

Economic indicators and monetary policies impact copper’s value. A strong global economy correlates with higher copper demand and prices. Inflationary pressures contribute to rising commodity prices. The strength of the U.S. dollar is a factor, as copper is typically traded in dollars; a stronger dollar can make copper more expensive for buyers using other currencies, potentially dampening demand. Geopolitical events, trade policies, and political shifts can disrupt supply chains and create uncertainty, leading to price fluctuations. Growing demand from the renewable energy sector and electric vehicle manufacturing provides long-term support for copper prices.

Where to Find Copper Prices

Reliable information on copper prices is available from several key sources for industrial users and individuals. Major commodities exchanges serve as primary benchmarks for refined copper. The London Metal Exchange (LME) is a globally recognized market where copper futures are actively traded, providing a global reference price. The COMEX, part of the CME Group, is another significant exchange where copper futures are traded, with a standard contract size of 25,000 pounds.

These exchange prices are generally accessible through financial news websites, commodity market data providers, and exchange websites. Many platforms offer real-time or near real-time price quotes, historical data, and analytical tools. For individuals looking to sell scrap copper, prices will differ from these exchange rates and are typically set by local scrap metal recycling centers. Contact local dealers directly or check their websites for current buying prices, as these vary by location, local demand, and specific grade.

Converting and Understanding Units

Copper prices are quoted in various units across global markets, and understanding these conversions is important. While prices in the United States are often expressed per pound, international markets frequently quote prices per metric ton. A metric ton, also known as a tonne, is equivalent to 2,204.62 pounds. To convert a price per metric ton to a price per pound, you divide the per-metric-ton price by 2,204.62. For example, if copper is priced at $9,924.5 per metric ton on the LME, the price per pound would be approximately $4.50 ($9,924.5 / 2,204.62).

Another unit sometimes encountered, particularly in the United States, is the short ton, which equals 2,000 pounds. Converting a price from per short ton to per pound involves dividing the short ton price by 2,000. Differentiate between refined copper prices and scrap copper prices. Refined copper commands higher prices than scrap copper, whose value is influenced by its purity, condition, and the presence of any contaminants.