How much copper does Australia produce and export?
Australia is the nullth largest producer of copper: 730,000 tonnes in 2025, 3.2% of the world's 23 million tonnes (USGS MCS). It is the 4th largest exporter by value: $4.6 billion in 2024, 4.3% of world exports of copper ores and concentrates (HS 2603) (CEPII BACI). Its biggest customer is Japan, which takes 35% of its copper exports by value.
All about copper · All about Australia · Copper price history
Australia's copper production
| World rank | Production (tonnes) | Share of world | Ten-year growth | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 730,000 tonnes | 3.2% | — | 2025 |
USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries, MCS 2026.
Australia's copper exports
| World rank | Export value | Share of world exports | Quantity (tonnes) | Average value per tonne | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | $4.6 billion | 4.3% | 1.5 million t | $3,087 | 2024 |
CEPII BACI international trade database (HS22, V202601), HS 2603 (Copper ores and concentrates).
Where Australia's copper goes
| Destination | Value | Share of Australia's exports |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $1.6B | 35% |
| China | $990M | 22% |
| Philippines | $674M | 15% |
| India | $502M | 11% |
| South Korea | $281M | 6.2% |
The copper price Australia sells into
The benchmark price, LME cash, grade A cathode, was $14,474/t in September 2026, up 45% over twelve months. Its five-year volatility is 16% a year, calmer in 23% of its earlier five-year windows. A single country's export price can differ from the benchmark: see trade price against benchmark. Monthly averages lag the market and are not investment advice. Copper price history.
Cite as: Commodity Origins, "Australia copper: production, exports and prices", https://commodityorigins.com/countries/AUS/copper/ (CC BY 4.0). Rankings count only countries reporting to the sources named; this page is shown only for top-five producers or exporters with at least 3% of the world total. Report an issue with this page.