Copper prices have surged from around $8,500 per ton to nearly $13,000 in just eight months. That move alone is interesting, but some analysts believe this is not a peak. It may only be the early stage of a much larger structural change.
Market commentator Advait Arora recently laid out why copper deserves serious attention right now, arguing that the world is heading toward a supply gap that simply cannot be closed fast enough. His view is not built on short-term speculation; it’s built on math.
A Supply Problem That Doesn’t Go Away
The long-term numbers are uncomfortable. Global copper demand is projected to reach about 42 million tons by 2040. Mine supply, even under optimistic assumptions, is expected to peak near 33 million tons by 2030. That leaves a potential shortfall of roughly 10 million tons per year.
To put that into perspective, that gap is larger than the combined annual production of Chile and Peru. Recycling will help, but even if recycling volumes double, it still closes only a fraction of the deficit.
This is not a problem that higher prices can fix overnight. New copper mines take 15 to 20 years to bring online. Permitting delays, rising costs, and declining ore grades make rapid supply expansion unrealistic.
Demand Is Hitting From Every Angle
What makes this cycle different is how many demand drivers are arriving at the same time.
👉 Copper Crisis: Why $13,000/Ton Is Just the Start !
— Advait Arora (@WealthEnrich) January 16, 2026
Copper jumped from $8,500 to $13,000 per ton in 8 months (53% gain). Here's why Copper is the metal to watch out for :
• World needs 42 million tons by 2040
• Mine production peaks at 33 million tons by 2030
• 10 million… pic.twitter.com/DOYAhubMKe
Electric vehicles require roughly four times more copper than traditional gasoline cars. Power grids are expanding to handle electrification. Solar energy uses several times more copper per megawatt than coal. AI data centers are growing rapidly and are extremely copper-intensive. Defense spending is also rising, adding another layer of demand.
None of these sectors can simply “wait” for cheaper copper. They need the metal to function.
Why This Matters for Stocks
Rising copper prices don’t just affect commodities traders; they reshape equity markets.
When copper prices rise because of structural shortages, miners with existing production and strong balance sheets tend to benefit first. Companies that already have operating assets are in a far better position than those still waiting on permits or feasibility studies.
This is why copper-focused stocks are drawing renewed interest. Indian names like Hindustan Copper, Hindalco, and Sterlite stand to benefit from domestic demand and infrastructure spending. Globally, companies such as Freeport-McMoRan and Southern Copper are often seen as direct ways to gain exposure to copper’s price cycle. Royalty and streaming firms like Franco-Nevada also tend to attract investors during long commodity uptrends.
A Personal Take
Calling copper “the new gold” may be a stretch, but the comparison exists for a reason. Gold protects value during monetary stress, while copper reflects real economic build-out.
If copper prices do push toward $20,000 per ton over time, it won’t be because of hype. It will be because supply failed to keep up with reality. That scenario would also have consequences: EV costs rise, energy transitions slow, and inflation pressures re-emerge in unexpected places.
For investors, copper no longer looks like a short-term trade. It looks like a long-duration theme. And as Advait Arora explains, this crisis is not about panic; it’s about preparation.
Ignoring copper now may turn out to be far more expensive later.