News

2026/ 05 / 18


Rising Copper Prices Reshape the Steel & Metallurgical Supply Chain

Recently, copper prices in both domestic and international markets have continued to rise sharply, becoming a major topic across the steel and metallurgical industry. In 2026, global copper prices repeatedly reached record highs. Industry analysts believe that the rapid growth of AI infrastructure, power grid expansion, energy transition projects, and tightening mine supply are all driving long-term copper demand.

In the steelmaking industry, copper is not only a critical industrial metal but also a key factor affecting the production cost and delivery cycle of continuous casting copper mould tubes, transformers, electrical systems, and cooling equipment. In continuous casting operations, copper mould tubes are essential consumable components whose thermal conductivity, wear resistance, and stability directly impact billet quality and production efficiency.

 

As copper prices fluctuate, more steel plants are shifting their focus from short-term purchasing costs to long-term operational stability, product lifespan, and overall efficiency. Although premium copper products may involve higher initial investment, they help reduce downtime, maintenance frequency, and production risks, delivering better long-term value.

 

Taking JISTEEL as an example, the company has long focused on supplying metallurgical equipment and consumables for steel plants. Its continuous casting copper mould tubes are manufactured using brand-new high-purity copper materials without recycled scrap mixtures, ensuring superior thermal performance and operational reliability. Customized dimensions, coatings, and cooling structures are also available to meet different casting conditions.

Meanwhile, rising copper prices are also impacting the market for steel plant electrical equipment. The cost of copper materials used in transformers, busbars, cables, and electrical systems has increased significantly. As a result, the industry is accelerating upgrades toward high-efficiency, energy-saving, and longer-life solutions to reduce operational pressure and energy consumption.


Looking ahead, with the continued expansion of advanced manufacturing, renewable energy projects, and AI infrastructure, copper will remain one of the most strategically important industrial metals. For steel enterprises, building reliable supply chains and selecting high-quality equipment products will become increasingly important for controlling overall costs and ensuring stable production.

Contact Us

Address

High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China.

Email

jean@ji-steel.com

Phone

+86 188 3804 2177

Quick Links

© Copyright 2025 JI Steel. All right reserved.