United Kingdom: Copper Foil Market 2024

Copper Foil Market Size in the UK

In 2022, the UK copper foil market decreased by -2.9% to $X for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. In general, consumption continues to indicate a noticeable decline. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Copper Foil Production in the UK

In value terms, copper foil production shrank modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw a measured increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 90%. Copper foil production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Copper Foil Exports

Exports from the UK

In 2022, overseas shipments of copper foil decreased by -4.3% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after four years of growth. Overall, exports, however, recorded a measured expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 154%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, copper foil exports reduced to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a measured expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 60% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

France (X tons), Germany (X tons) and Poland (X tons) were the main destinations of copper foil exports from the UK, with a combined 54% share of total exports. Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Kuwait, China and Turkey lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 29%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Malaysia (with a CAGR of +48.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, France ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for copper foil exports from the UK, comprising 23% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Germany ($X), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Poland, with a 9.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to France amounted to +21.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Germany (-4.9% per year) and Poland (-2.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average copper foil export price amounted to $X per ton, waning by -10% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a slight increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the average export price increased by 58% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 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 China ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Kuwait ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Malaysia (+5.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Copper Foil Imports

Imports into the UK

In 2022, the amount of copper foil imported into the UK shrank to X tons, which is down by -3.5% on 2021. Overall, imports showed a perceptible descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 25% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, copper foil imports contracted modestly to $X in 2022. In general, imports recorded a slight curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 22%. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), the United States (X tons) and China (X tons) were the main suppliers of copper foil imports to the UK, together accounting for 73% of total imports. Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Turkey, India, Belgium, France and Sweden lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 22%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Turkey (with a CAGR of +46.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest copper foil suppliers to the UK were the United States ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and China ($X), with a combined 68% share of total imports. Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Italy, India, Turkey and Sweden lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 24%.

Turkey, with a CAGR of +52.6%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average copper foil import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 1.9% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.8%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average import price increased by 16%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

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 France ($X per ton), while the price for Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+14.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform