India’s copper consumption increased 12% year over year to 2.1 million metric tons in fiscal year 2026, up from 1.878 million metric tons in the previous financial year, according to the International Copper Association India (ICA India). The growth exceeded the country’s reported gross domestic product expansion of 7.7% and surpassed the 9.3% increase recorded in FY25.
Greater activity in infrastructure, automotive manufacturing, and construction contributed to the rise in demand. Copper is essential for producing electrical wiring, power cables, transformers, motors, vehicle wiring systems, and industrial components, making it an important material for India’s economic and industrial development.
Infrastructure emerged as the strongest contributor to additional copper demand during FY26. Consumption in this segment grew 29% year over year, accounting for 22% of India’s total copper usage. Expanding infrastructure projects and investment in essential facilities supported the increased requirement for the metal.
The automotive industry recorded 14% growth in copper demand, reflecting stronger sales of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and tractors after a relatively subdued FY25. Copper’s extensive use in vehicle electrical systems and components continues to connect automotive production with industrial metal consumption.
The building and construction sector, which represented approximately one-quarter of India’s overall copper demand, registered 9% growth. Rising urbanization, commercial property development, and premium residential projects supported demand for building wires, electrical accessories, power cables, and construction hardware.
Meanwhile, data centers accounted for less than 1% of total copper consumption, indicating that their contribution remained limited during the reporting period.
Mayur Karmarkar, managing director of ICA India, attributed the positive outlook to policies encouraging infrastructure investment, industrialization, and the transition toward cleaner energy. These priorities are expected to support further copper consumption as India expands its electricity networks and industrial capacity.
ICA India operates as the country’s branch of the International Copper Association Ltd., a nonprofit organization established in 1959 under the Copper Alliance to promote copper use worldwide.
The latest figures highlight copper’s growing importance in India’s infrastructure development, manufacturing activity, and broader economic expansion.
