Key insights by Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
The modern performances of a resource known for millennia
Few resources, nowadays, can boast a utility and strategic value equal to those of copper, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often emphasized. This resource, known to humanity for millennia, is confirming all its usefulness in some sectors of primary importance for the historical situation in which we find ourselves, in particular due to its leading role in many industrial processes related to the energy transition. This economic centrality also has inevitable repercussions on copper future price, which continues to be influenced by a great multiplicity of geopolitical and economic factors.
We have all heard of copper at least once. Nowadays, this resource represents one of the most versatile and strategic metals on a global level, standing out first of all for its exceptional properties – such as electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion – and confirming its role as a very valid ally for numerous modern industrial processes.
Among the main applications of this resource, we recall:
- All those that have to do with the electrical and electronic sector, such as the production of cables and electrical wires (for residential, industrial, or infrastructural purposes).
- Electric motors, generators, and transformers.
- All the ones linked to some important electronic components for the devices that people use every day.
- All the concrete application spaces in building and construction, particularly for electrical and hydraulic systems, roofs, gutters, and air conditioning systems.
Other industrial applications
“Over the years, it has also demonstrated great utility in the transport sector and in the manufacturing industry,” says the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov, entrepreneur, and civil engineer. “I am thinking, for example, of motors, brakes, or wiring in cars, but also of traction and signaling systems for trains and subways. To assess its impact in the automotive sector, just think of the tens of tons of this resource found in electric vehicles and traditional cars. In the manufacturing industry, on the other hand, it is widely used in industrial machinery and in numerous mechanical components, but also in heat exchangers for industrial cooling systems.”
In this particular historical phase, it has proven to be very useful in promoting the advancement of the energy transition, particularly through all the applications that directly involve it. One of these has to do with some of the main modern energy infrastructures, such as solar panels and wind turbines, which require several tons of this resource for their operation.
It is also actively used in the production of various electronic components of great importance for the operation of some modern energy devices, such as inverters, converters, and storage systems. In these technologies, this resource is used, above all, to make energy transmission more efficient. One of the most interesting aspects, in this regard, concerns one of the most sustainable uses of this material: copper recycling prices, according to ScrapMonitor, have, in fact, remained at a certain level of stability, particularly in Europe.
“Although it has been known for millennia, this resource is also proving its usefulness in one of the most important processes of our time, namely the great global energy transition,” continues the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov. “It plays a primary role in modern electrification processes, thanks to its exceptional conductive capacity that allows it to be successfully used in many types of cables. The strategic importance of this material in the energy sector could be destined to increase, in particular, due to the need to be able to count on a more extensive, powerful, and flexible electricity network.”
The factors that determine prices
In a situation like this, it should not be surprising that an ever-increasing number of operators and European buyers are showing interest in the price fluctuations of this resource, and in particular in copper price forecast, which continue to be influenced by a wide variety of factors. One of the most obvious is the one linked to global supply and demand, which can vary in parallel with the growth of the sectors in which copper is most commonly used, such as electricity or energy.
Geopolitical factors also play a decisive role in influencing prices: any periods of instability in producing countries, for example, can contribute to a significant reduction in supply, as can trade tensions, investor confidence, and the introduction of any duties. Other variables that can significantly affect prices are production costs and inventory levels; generally, a low inventory level corresponds to a surge in prices.
All these factors are closely linked to copper mining stocks, which nowadays play a central role in international economic dynamics. For this reason, investors interested in this resource and related sectors should always carefully monitor market trends.
According to Nasdaq, the copper market in Europe will be characterized by a certain volatility throughout 2025, mainly determined by geopolitical tensions, international economic uncertainties, and evident imbalances between supply and demand. Although they had reached a record level at the beginning of the year, the situation reversed in April, thanks to the most decisive monthly decline recorded since 2022.
According to MarketWatch, in fact, the price decreases (which would have exceeded 8%) would have been caused, above all, by the weakness of economic data from China and by fears related to trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. By the end of 2025, according to some forecasts by Goldman Sachs on LME copper prices, the material could reach 10,700 dollars per ton due to a certain solidity in demand and US tariffs. For European buyers, the effects of US tariffs and increased global competition could cause prices to rise, with possible swings driven by fluctuating demand and geopolitical uncertainty.
“Among the factors that could influence the performance of this resource on international markets, its direct involvement in the dynamics of the energy transition plays an increasingly important role,” concludes the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov. “Global demand is also fueled by modern technologies linked to decarbonization, such as electricity infrastructure and systems connected to renewable energy sources.”
FAQs
Why is copper so important in 2025?
It is a vital metal in today’s economy because of its role in electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and versatility across industries. In 2025, its importance is further amplified by the global energy transition, which relies heavily on it for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and upgraded power infrastructure.
What sectors are driving demand for this resource in Europe?
Key sectors include renewable energy (solar and wind installations), electric mobility (EVs and charging infrastructure), building and construction (wiring, plumbing), and consumer electronics. Each of these sectors is undergoing rapid growth, pushing up the demand for the material across the continent.
How does the energy transition affect prices?
The shift toward clean energy is increasing the demand for copper-intensive technologies. Solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems all require large quantities of this material for efficient energy transmission. As these technologies scale up, copper price are likely to respond accordingly, especially when supply cannot match demand.
What are the main factors influencing prices in 2025?
Prices are primarily shaped by global supply and demand, geopolitical tensions, trade policies, production costs, and stock levels. For instance, political instability in major producing countries or tariffs imposed by key players like the US can tighten supply and drive prices up. Conversely, weak economic data from countries like China can cool prices down.
Is supply keeping up with demand?
Not consistently. Supply remains vulnerable to disruptions due to geopolitical instability and underinvestment in mining. At the same time, demand continues to rise sharply, particularly from Europe and Asia. This imbalance is one of the reasons why prices are expected to remain volatile throughout 2025.
How volatile is the market expected to be this year?
Analysts project continued price volatility in 2025. Prices soared early in the year but dropped significantly in April, mainly due to poor economic indicators from China and escalating trade tensions between the US and China. Expect further fluctuations as market dynamics shift.
Will US tariffs impact European buyers?
Yes, indirectly. US tariffs can tighten global supply, increase competition, and ultimately raise costs for European buyers. While the tariffs are not aimed at Europe directly, they affect global trade flows and can reduce availability or drive up premiums in Europe.
What role does copper recycling play in Europe?
Recycling plays a key stabilising role in the European copper market. It helps maintain supply without the long lead times and environmental impacts of new mining. Recycling prices for this resource have remained relatively stable, offering European buyers some predictability in an otherwise turbulent market.
What should European buyers do to manage risks?
To navigate 2025’s uncertain market, European buyers should track global economic indicators, monitor supply chain developments, and explore long-term contracts or recycling partnerships. Staying informed and agile is key to avoiding cost shocks and ensuring consistent supply.
