Copper Prices Rebound as Global Demand Strengthens and DRC Eyes Strategic Gains
Copper Prices Recover in Early 2026 as Demand from Energy and Digital Sectors Accelerates
After several weeks of decline, copper one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) most important mineral exports is showing a clear recovery on international markets at the start of February 2026.
According to projections from the National Market Commission of the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Trade, copper prices are expected to average USD 13,347.90 per tonne for the period from February 9 to 14, 2026, up from USD 12,943 per tonne the previous week.
This represents a weekly increase of approximately USD 404, signalling renewed investor interest in the red metal after nearly a month of downward pressure.
International market indicators point to a broadly bullish trend, albeit with continued volatility. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, copper was trading at around USD 12,980 per tonne on major exchange platforms, according to market data observed on Boursorama.
Beyond short-term price movements, copper has been on a sustained upward trajectory since 2025. Over the past twelve months, prices have risen by more than 40%, reaching a historic high of USD 13,387 per tonne in early January 2026 on the London Metal Exchange (LME).
Traditionally viewed as a barometer of global economic health earning it the nickname “Dr. Copper” the metal is increasingly assuming a new strategic role.
Demand is no longer driven solely by construction and heavy industry but is now underpinned by structural shifts linked to technological advancement and the global energy transition.
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, the proliferation of energy-intensive data centres, and the accelerating adoption of electric vehicles are collectively driving structurally higher copper demand.
Analysts estimate that digital infrastructure alone could require several hundred thousand additional tonnes of copper as early as 2026.
On the supply side, global production remains under strain. Operational challenges at major mines, aging infrastructure, and delays in the development of new projects are constraining the industry’s ability to respond quickly to rising demand.
As a result, several international financial institutions are forecasting a significant refined copper deficit in 2026, raising concerns over prolonged market imbalances.
Further uncertainty stems from global trade policies, particularly in the United States, where potential tariff adjustments could affect trade flows and price dynamics during the year.
Against this backdrop, the outlook for copper in 2026 remains nuanced. While the underlying fundamentals are supportive, analysts caution that price corrections remain possible, especially in the event of geopolitical decisions, trade disruptions, or economic slowdowns in major consuming economies.
For producing countries, the current market environment presents both opportunities and challenges. As one of the world’s leading copper producers, the DRC aims to leverage higher prices to boost export revenues and strengthen its strategic position within global value chains linked to the energy and digital transitions.
In the short term, the February price rebound signals a return of market confidence. Over the medium to long term, copper’s trajectory will depend largely on the global industry’s ability to expand supply in line with demand driven by deep, structural changes in the world economy.
