How much copper does China produce?
China is the 4th largest producer of copper: 1.8 million tonnes in 2025, 7.8% of the world's 23 million tonnes (USGS MCS).
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China's copper production
| World rank | Production (tonnes) | Share of world | Ten-year growth | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1.8 million tonnes | 7.8% | — | 2025 |
USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries, MCS 2026.
China as a buyer of copper
China imported $66.2 billion of copper ores and concentrates (HS 2603) in 2024, 63% of world imports, ranked #1. Of its $66.2 billion of copper imports in 2024, 32% came from Chile and 23% from Peru, among 67 suppliers. Largest sources: Chile (32%), Peru (23%), Mongolia (5%), Mexico (5%), Kazakhstan (4.3%).
The copper price China 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, "China copper: production, exports and prices", https://commodityorigins.com/countries/CHN/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.