On April 11, 2026, the price of copper in Pakistan remains steady, with high-quality Millberry scrap copper trading at around Rs. 5,500 per kilogram in key markets including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Gujranwala. Refined new copper, known for its higher purity and preferred in industrial applications, commands a premium price ranging from Rs. 5,800 to over Rs. 6,200 per kilogram. Prices tend to be slightly elevated in major industrial centers such as Karachi and Lahore.
Meanwhile, standard or mixed copper scrap exhibits considerable price variation, generally falling between Rs. 2,100 and Rs. 3,500 per kilogram depending on quality and location. Local copper prices carry a premium due to factors such as import duties, transportation expenses, taxes, consistent domestic demand from the electrical and construction sectors, and the prevailing USD/PKR exchange rate hovering around 279 to 280.
In a significant development on the international front, copper prices have shown notable strength. The global benchmark currently stands near $5.86 to $5.87 per pound, marking a daily increase of approximately 1.97 to 2.13 percent. The London Metal Exchange (LME) three-month copper contract trades close to $12,845 per tonne. Over the past month, prices have inched up by about 0.27 to 0.43 percent, while year-on-year gains remain robust at roughly 29.20 to 29.41 percent. When converted using an exchange rate of 280 PKR per USD, the international base price translates to approximately Rs. 3,620 to Rs. 3,680 per kilogram before accounting for import-related costs and local markups.
Analysts project that copper prices could reach around $6.07 per pound by the end of the current quarter and rise further to $6.69 within the next twelve months. These forecasts are underpinned by long-term fundamentals linked to electrification and the expansion of renewable energy technologies.
Copper, often dubbed “Dr. Copper,” serves as a barometer for global industrial and economic health. Rising prices typically indicate strong manufacturing activity, infrastructure investment, and growth in green energy sectors. The current price rebound reflects a balance between short-term market fluctuations and enduring drivers such as supply limitations and surging demand from electric vehicles, renewable energy projects, battery storage solutions, data centers, and power grid upgrades.
Within Pakistan, fluctuations in copper prices directly impact the costs of electrical wiring, cables, construction projects, solar and renewable energy installations, and the profitability of scrap recycling businesses. The metal’s critical role in the global energy transition ensures sustained demand moving forward.
Copper’s exceptional electrical conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and recyclability make it indispensable across multiple industries. It is fundamental to electrical wiring, power cables, motors, and transformers used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The electric vehicle sector is a major driver of new demand, as EVs require significantly more copper than traditional vehicles, primarily for motors, batteries, and charging infrastructure. Renewable energy initiatives depend heavily on copper for solar panel connections, wind turbine generators, and energy storage systems. Additionally, construction utilizes copper for durable plumbing, roofing, and antimicrobial fittings. The expansion of electronics, 5G networks, and AI data centers further boosts copper consumption through high-speed cabling and circuit boards.
Notably, about 80 percent of all copper ever mined remains in use today, thanks to its excellent recyclability, which helps maintain supply stability amid growing demand.
In summary, as of April 11, 2026, high-quality Millberry scrap copper in Pakistan holds firm at Rs. 5,500 per kilogram. Internationally, copper prices exhibit positive momentum, trading near $5.86 to $5.87 per pound with strong year-on-year gains, reflecting the metal’s vital role in the evolving global economy.
