US buyers are increasingly turning to copper from the Democratic Republic of Congo, helping drive record imports from the African producer as industrial consumers capitalise on discounts to COMEX-approved brands.
Congo now accounts for 23.9% of all US copper imports, the highest share on record, as American manufacturers including copper rod mills and tube makers accept more Congolese metal.
The standard of Congo copper has improved significantly in recent years, leading to greater acceptance from US consumers. Buyers are also attracted by price discounts relative to brands approved for delivery on the COMEX futures market, even though no Congolese copper brand is currently COMEX-approved.
Industry sources say the improved quality and consistent supply have helped shift perceptions, with Congolese copper increasingly seen as a reliable option for US manufacturers seeking cost-effective raw materials.
The surge in copper imports reflects a wider trend of US companies diversifying their supply chains and seeking alternative sources amid tight global copper markets. Congo, already one of the world’s largest copper producers, is benefiting from this shift as it looks to expand its export markets beyond traditional buyers in Asia.
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