Charted: 175 Years of Copper's Epic Journey

Copper Price Infographic

Often called "the metal with a PhD in Economics," copper's price has long been a crucial barometer for industrial progress, global conflict, and technological revolution. From the first telegraph wires to the data centers and EVs of today, every major shift in our world is etched into the price of this critical metal. Below, we break down the key historical events that have defined the copper market and continue to shape its future.

Early Days: Industry, War, and Market Schemes (1850s-1900s)

As factories and electricity spread, copper became hot property. The chart shows a price jump in the 1860s, driven largely by military demand for use in munitions and equipment during events like the American Civil War. But the late 1800s also saw drama like the Secrétan Syndicate (1887-1889). This French group famously attempted to corner the global copper market, buying up supply to push prices sky-high before it all came crashing down, triggering a major price collapse as detailed in historical analyses of the event.

Turbulent Times: World Wars and Economic Crisis (Early to Mid-20th Century)

The 20th century brought major conflicts and economic storms, all mirrored in copper's price:

• World War I (1914-1918): Demand for copper in shell casings, wiring, and other military equipment sent prices soaring, as seen in the 1916-1918 spike according to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports from the era.

• The Great Depression (1930s): When the world economy collapsed, demand for industrial metals like copper dried up, causing a price collapse to historic lows.

• World War II (1939-1945): War again meant huge copper demand, but this time, governments took direct control. Official markets like the London Metal Exchange were subject to strict regulations, with governments managing the supply and price of strategic metals to support the war effort.

Rebuilding and Electrifying the World (Mid to Late 20th Century)

After WWII, the world started rebuilding and plugging in. The chart highlights this long rise:

• Post-War Boom: From the 1940s onwards, massive reconstruction efforts in Europe and Japan, a growing global economy, and the spread of electricity to homes and industries created a huge, sustained need for copper.

• 1970s Shocks: The oil crises and high inflation of the 1970s, marked on the chart, also pushed copper prices up due to a combination of higher energy production costs and economic uncertainty a phenomenon analyzed in commodity market studies.

China's Rise and a Metals Frenzy (Early 21st Century)

A new era for copper began when China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001:

• The "Commodity Supercycle": China's incredible growth into a manufacturing and construction powerhouse created an unprecedented appetite for all industrial metals. This demand fueled a massive surge in commodity prices that became known as the "supercycle," including a dramatic climb for copper as documented by institutions like the Bank of Canada.

The Green Push: Copper's New Demand (2020s Onwards)

Today, another major shift is boosting copper:

• Energy Transition: From 2020 onwards, the global move to green energy requires vast amounts of copper. Electric cars, solar panels, wind turbines, and the expansion of electricity grids are creating a new wave of structural demand. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this "green demand" is a powerful force that is expected to continue pushing on supply.

Copper: A Sign of the Times

Copper's price story over the last 175 years truly reflects world history – from wars and economic crises to technological leaps and our changing priorities. As we build a more electric and sustainable future, copper remains a key ingredient, and its price will continue to tell an important tale.

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Disclaimer

The information and data presented in this article and accompanying infographic are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. While we strive to present accurate and timely information from sources believed to be reliable, MiningVisuals makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content. Historical market performance is not indicative of future results. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

General Sources:

Source: macrotrends, Cochilco data, USGS