Insight

Copper: what to look for in 2016

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During 2016 we are expecting a slight improvement in demand growth for refined copper from the disappointing performance seen in 2015. However, production from new mine projects and expansions will drive continued increases in supply, resulting in a modest copper metal market surplus. As a consequence, stocks of refined metal are forecast to rise during 2016 and the annual average copper price is forecast to be at a lower level than last year.  This insight discusses the main risks to this forecast. Points that will be of particular interest as the year proceeds will be the outlook for copper demand in China and other emerging markets, the likelihood of further curtailments to mine supply due to disruptions and cost related closures and how deflation in the cost structure of the industry will affect the fundamental support level for the copper price. 

Table of contents

  • Executive summary
    • China infrastructure seen supporting consumption, but substantial downside risks remain
    • What is the outlook for other sectors in China?
    • Divergent performance likely amongst other emerging markets
    • Disruptions to mine supply
    • Cost related mine closures
    • Smelter outlook
  • Does cost deflation represent a downside risk to our price forecast?

Tables and charts

This report includes 4 images and tables including:

  • Annual average copper price v marginal cost of production
  • C1 direct cash cost 2015 v 2016
  • China GDP growth versus power grid investment and infrastructure fixed asset investment (FAI)
  • Refined consumption growth in selected emerging markets, 2015 and 2016 (kt)

What's included

This report contains:

  • Document

    Copper: what to look for in 2016

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