New Zealand: Refined Copper Market 2025

Refined Copper Market Size in New Zealand

The New Zealand refined copper market shrank to $X in 2022, waning by -7.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a mild expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +8.2% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Refined Copper Production in New Zealand

In value terms, refined copper production declined to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a modest increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +8.3% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by 40% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Refined Copper Exports

Exports from New Zealand

In 2022, the amount of refined copper (unwrought, not alloyed) exported from New Zealand soared to X tons, jumping by 2,000,200% against 2021 figures. In general, exports, however, recorded a perceptible decline. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, refined copper exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports recorded a noticeable increase. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Australia (X tons) was the main destination for refined copper exports from New Zealand, accounting for a 99% share of total exports. It was followed by the United States (X kg), with less than 0.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Australia stood at +92.8%.

In value terms, Australia ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for refined copper (unwrought, not alloyed) exports from New Zealand, comprising 100% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($X), with less than 0.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Australia totaled +111.5%.

Export Prices by Country

The average refined copper export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, with an increase of 154% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a buoyant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 290% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Australia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United States stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Tonga (+19.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Refined Copper Imports

Imports into New Zealand

In 2022, imports of refined copper (unwrought, not alloyed) into New Zealand declined dramatically to X tons, which is down by -58% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a pronounced increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 264% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, refined copper imports shrank dramatically to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, saw strong growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 340%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X, and then contracted remarkably in the following year.

Imports by Country

Finland (X tons), China (X kg) and the Netherlands (X kg) were the main suppliers of refined copper imports to New Zealand, with a combined 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for China (with a CAGR of +81.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Finland ($X), China ($X) and the Netherlands ($X) appeared to be the largest refined copper suppliers to New Zealand, with a combined 97% share of total imports.

China, with a CAGR of +66.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average refined copper import price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 16% against the previous year. In general, import price indicated a pronounced expansion from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, refined copper import price increased by +39.6% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 100%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Finland ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+22.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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