U.S. Exports Of Unmanufactured Copper (Copper Content), By Country Or Locality

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of unmanufactured copper exports from the United States, categorized by country or locality and by product type, including ore and concentrates, matte, ash and precipitates, blister and anodes, refined copper, and unalloyed copper scrap. This information is crucial for understanding the U.S. role in the global copper supply chain, as copper is a key industrial metal used extensively in electrical wiring, construction, and manufacturing. Tracking export volumes and values helps gauge international demand, trade balances, and economic health within the copper sector, which in turn influences domestic mining, refining, and recycling activities.

In 2021, the total U.S. exports of unmanufactured copper amounted to 986,000 metric tons valued at $6.77 billion, showing a notable increase in value compared to the revised 2020 figures of 853,000 metric tons valued at $4.33 billion. Mexico remained the top destination by quantity, receiving 251,000 metric tons worth $1.83 billion, followed by Canada with 160,000 metric tons valued at $1.14 billion, and China with 264,000 metric tons valued at $1.91 billion, highlighting strong trade ties with North American and Asian markets. Refined copper exports dominated the product categories with 476,000 metric tons valued at $418 million, while ore and concentrates exports decreased from 383,000 metric tons in 2020 to 347,000 metric tons in 2021, but their value increased to $2.65 billion, reflecting higher copper prices. The data also reveal significant exports of unalloyed copper scrap, totaling 539,000 metric tons valued at $3.56 billion, underscoring the importance of recycling in the U.S. copper industry.