India's copper demand increased 12 per cent year-on-year to 2,100 kilotonnes (KT) in FY2026, surpassing the country's GDP growth of 7.7 per cent, according to the International Copper Association India (ICA India). The growth accelerated from 9.3 per cent in FY2025, when copper consumption stood at 1,878 KT.

Infrastructure, automotive and building and construction sectors were the primary contributors to rising demand, driven by increased consumption of copper in wires, cables, transformers, motors and electrical equipment.

Infrastructure, accounting for 22 per cent of total copper demand, recorded the highest growth at 29 per cent. India added a record 37 GW of solar capacity during FY2026, double the previous year's additions, while wind capacity installations increased 46 per cent to 6 GW. The expansion reflects growing investments in renewable energy and power infrastructure.

The automotive sector registered a 14 per cent increase in copper demand, supported by higher sales of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and tractors. Electric vehicle (EV) sales rose 19 per cent, taking overall EV penetration to 9 per cent. EVs generated copper demand of 37 KT during FY2026, with electric vehicles requiring approximately four times more copper than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.

The building and construction sector, contributing approximately 25 per cent of total copper demand, recorded 9 per cent growth. Demand was supported by premium housing developments, commercial real estate activity and urbanisation. Data centre installations contributed less than 1 per cent of overall copper consumption.

Mayur Karmarkar, Managing Director, International Copper Association India, said, “India’s economic activity momentum is reflected in the rising demand for copper. Favourable policies promoting investments in infrastructure, industrialization and clean energy transition will continue to drive copper demand.”

Domestic refined copper production reached 704 KT in FY2026, registering 23 per cent year-on-year growth. Refined copper accounted for 58 per cent of total supply, while recycled scrap contributed the remaining 42 per cent.

Karmarkar highlighted that India's dependence on imported copper scrap, amounting to 274 KT, could pose challenges as countries strengthen domestic recycling and circular economy policies. He emphasised the need to expand smelting and refining capacities to meet future demand.

The findings underline copper's growing importance in India's infrastructure development, industrial expansion and clean energy transition.