New Delhi, Oct. 30 -- India's copper demand grew by 12.1 per cent in FY26 to 2.1 million tonnes (MT), buoyed by higher consumption from the infrastructure sector. The country consumed 1.87 MT copper last fiscal.
"Infrastructure emerged as the fastest-growing copper sector, driven by record capacity addition in solar and wind," the International Copper Association India (ICA India) said in its latest report.
ICA India also attributed the demand growth to increased consumption by the automobile and building sectors.
"Automobile sector rebounded in FY26, driven by growth across ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and electric vehicles. Data centres, commercial space & premium residential led to higher copper demand in buildings," it said.
In FY26, the building and construction sector accounted for the largest share of total copper consumption at 24 per cent, though its share was down from 25 per cent in FY25.
Consumption by the infrastructure sector, however, rose to 22 per cent in FY26 from 19 per cent in FY25.
Consumer goods consumption fell to 13 per cent in FY26 from 14 per cent in FY25.
Industrial demand also fell to 16 per cent in FY26, down from 17 per cent in FY25.
Copper demand in net-zero technologies such as solar, EV, and renewables (excluding solar) grew significantly to 1.44 MT of total demand in FY2025-26, up from 0.87 MT in FY2024-25.
"From infrastructure and manufacturing to renewable energy and EVs, copper is becoming increasingly central to the sectors that will shape India's economic growth & net-zero carbon emission target," Mayur Karmarkar, Managing Director, ICA India.
On the supply side, domestic cathode production grew 23 per cent, while net imports rose 5 per cent. Net imports of semis fell 10 per cent, mainly because tube imports declined, ICA India said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.