Copper Foil Market

Copper Foil Market Size and Share:

The global copper foil market size was valued at USD 6.44 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 10.8 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.9% during 2025-2033. Asia Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of over 78.3% in 2024, driven by rapid industrialization, high demand for electronics, and advancements in electric vehicle production.

Key market drivers for the global copper foil market include the increasing demand for electronic devices, advancements in electric vehicles, and the expansion of renewable energy solutions. The growing need for high-performance printed circuit boards and energy storage systems further fuels the demand for copper foil. Additionally, the rapid deployment of 5G technology and the emphasis on sustainable energy infrastructure are contributing to market growth. The widespread adoption of copper foil in various applications due to its superior conductivity and flexibility ensures its continued significance in driving the global market forward.

The United States is a key player in the global copper foil market, driven by its advanced renewable energy, electronics, and automotive industries. The increasing adoption of electric vehicles and the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar and wind power, contribute to the rising demand for copper foil. Additionally, the U.S. is a leader in technological innovation, with significant investments in 5G telecommunications and energy storage solutions, further boosting market growth. For instance, in May 2024, Ericsson, a major telecommunications company, announced a significant investment of USD 50 million in its 5G Smart Factory in U.S. This investment will boost local manufacturing to cater to the heightening need for 5G infrastructure across the nation. Moreover, the strong focus on sustainable development and advanced manufacturing capabilities positions the U.S. as a crucial contributor to the global copper foil market.

Copper Foil Market Trends:

Expansion in Electric Vehicle (EV) Production

The growth in electric vehicle production has emerged as a critical driver for the copper foil market. Copper foil is integral to the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are used in virtually all electric vehicles. Going forward, further transitions of the automotive industry toward electrics will drive demand for copper foil significantly. According to industrial reports, in 2023, China manufactured about 8.91 million EVs, accounting for 60% of the world's EV production, and this is expected to increase as the demand for EVs increases worldwide. This will consequently increase the demand for copper foil since an electric vehicle consumes around 50 kilograms of copper. Future continuation of increased capacity in the copper foil supply should continue driving EV production expansion followed by higher utilization of batteries hence further supporting additional growth within market in future periods.

Growth in Renewable Energy Sector

The renewable energy sector, primarily solar power, continues to drive demand for copper foil. Copper foil is an important material in photovoltaic cells manufactured for use in solar panels. As more global efforts intensify towards transition to renewable energy sources, solar power is expected to continue growing; therefore, this will increase demand for copper foil in solar applications. According to an industrial report, in 2023, the U.S. solar market was able to record a jump of 51% over what had been reached the previous year as new installed solar capacity peaked at a historic record of 32.4 gigawatts. The combined total installed through 2023 will amount to roughly 139 gigawatts or enough for powering over 22 million homes across America. The U.S. solar industry is expected to keep growing under the support of government incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which can facilitate further installations. This growing demand for solar power will increase demand for copper foil, thus causing the market size to expand throughout the next couple of years.

Advancements in Consumer Electronics

Rapid advancements in consumer electronics, especially in wearable devices, smartphones, tablets, and laptops, highly propel the demand for copper foil. Copper foil is an essential component in the production of printed circuit boards or PCBs, which is essential to the functionality of these products. According to industrial reports, smartphones shipped around the world 1.17 billion during 2023, according to the growth still ongoing with mobile devices. These new developments - which range from 5G networks deployment to advancements in battery life, the integration of foldable displays, and other innovation drivers - all work towards challenging device performance barriers. More quality PCBs containing copper foil will thus be needed for incorporation. Furthermore, smartwatches and other fitness devices, classified as wearables, further boost the demand for compact electronic components that operate more efficiently. With the increasing dependence on consumer electronics, demand for copper foil will also likely increase, as the implementation of newer technologies increases.

Copper Foil Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global copper foil market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on product type, application, and end use industry.

Analysis by Product Type:

• Rolled Copper Foil
• Electrodeposited Copper Foil
   

Rolled copper foil leads the market with around 56.9% of market share in 2024. This dominance is attributed to its superior mechanical properties and versatility. This type of copper foil is highly valued for its flexibility, excellent conductivity, and durability, making it ideal for a variety of applications in electronics, automotive, and energy sectors. Moreover, rolled copper foil is particularly favored in high-performance applications such as flexible printed circuits, lithium-ion batteries, and electromagnetic shielding, where reliability and performance are critical. In addition to this, its ability to maintain mechanical strength and conductivity under stress conditions makes it indispensable for advanced technological applications, contributing significantly to its dominance in the market.

Analysis by Application:

• Printed Circuit Boards
• Batteries
• Electromagnetic Shielding
• Others
   

Printed circuit boards lead the market with around 61.5% of market share in 2024, propelled by the rapid increase in requirement for electronic devices and innovations in technology. PCBs form the backbone of modern electronics, providing essential pathways for electrical currents. Copper foil's superior conductivity and ease of application make it an integral component in PCBs, enhancing their performance and reliability. Additionally, the increasing miniaturization of electronic components, coupled with the growth of industries such as consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and telecommunications, continues to bolster the demand for copper foil in PCB manufacturing. Furthermore, this trend is expected to persist, maintaining PCBs as the leading application for copper foil.

Analysis by End Use Industry:

• Aerospace and Defense
• Automotive
• Building and Construction
• Electrical and Electronics
• Industrial Equipment
• Medical
• Others
   

Electrical and electronics lead the market as end use industry, driven by continuous innovations and expanding technological applications. Copper foil is crucial for the production of a wide range of electronic components, including printed circuit boards, flexible circuits, and electromagnetic shielding. The rise in consumer electronics, growing adoption of smart devices, and advancements in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems significantly contribute to the demand for copper foil. In addition, as the industry focuses on energy efficiency and high-performance materials, copper foil remains a fundamental component, reinforcing its dominant position in the electrical and electronics sector.

Analysis by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

In 2024, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share of over 78.3%. The Asia Pacific is one of the fastest-growing regions for copper foils, spurred by the explosion in electric vehicle production and advances in industrial applications of solar energy. In 2023 alone, China, for example, produced more than 8 million electric vehicles, as per reports. That is quite a demand for copper foils used in their batteries. India also scaled up its solar energy goals. The government of India targets 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, increasing the demand for copper foils in solar panels several folds. Companies like JX Nippon Mining & Metals and SKC are scaling up production to keep pace with this rising demand. Research and development investments drive innovation in copper foil technology.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Copper Foil Market Analysis

In 2024, United States accounted for 90.00% of the market share in North America. There has been tremendous growth in the US copper foil market mainly due to high demand for electric vehicles and other renewable energy resources. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in 2023, it was estimated that over 1.5 million electric cars were sold across the United States, thereby requiring more copper foil for battery uses and other vehicle components. The U.S. also features one of the highest renewable energy capacities, thus further increasing demand for copper foil in solar panels and energy storage systems. Leaders in the industry include Novelis Inc. and American Foils, which both focus on capacity expansion to keep up with growing domestic and export demand. Additionally, sustainability efforts are gaining popularity among the US-based manufacturers towards enhancing the recyclability of copper foil along with reduced environment impact to create the U.S. market an important market of the world market.

North America Copper Foil Market Analysis

North America plays a significant role in the global copper foil market, driven by advancements in the electronics, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the demand for efficient energy storage solutions, such as lithium-ion batteries, have substantially boosted the consumption of copper foil. Additionally, the region's robust telecommunications infrastructure, particularly with the rollout of 5G technology, has further propelled the market. For instance, in October 2024, COCUS, a company specialized in 5G technology, announced a tactical partnership with TCOR Solutions, a Canada-based IT network firm, to bolster the implementation and utilization of 5G solutions and Mobile Private Networks in Canada. Moreover, the growing emphasis on sustainable energy solutions, including solar and wind power, also contributes to the rising demand for copper foil in energy applications. With strong industrial growth and technological innovation, North America continues to be a critical market for copper foil, supporting its widespread use in various high-performance applications.

Europe Copper Foil Market Analysis

The copper foil market in Europe is growing, primarily due to the increasing demand for EVs and renewable energy technology. In 2023, as per industrial reports, the renewable energy capacity accounted for 24.1% of the region's final energy use, boosting the demand for copper foils in solar energy storage and electric vehicle batteries. Germany and the UK are driving the effort by investing highly in EV production; Germany will have invested around EUR 5 billion (USD 5.21 Billion) for EV-related infrastructure in 2023. Moreover, a significant recycling industry also exists in Europe, thus allowing for copper foil that is not hazardous to the environment. Companies such as Umicore and KME Group are leading the way in offering innovative solutions for the growing demand, while EU regulations promoting the green energy transition ensure that copper foil usage continues to rise.

Latin America Copper Foil Market Analysis

Due to rising investments in the renewable energy sector and surging demand for electric vehicles, the copper foil market in Latin America is developing further. As per the industrial reports, Chile produced 5.3 million metric tons of copper in 2023. This positioned the country among the world's largest copper-producing countries. This in turn supports the local industries requiring copper foils, especially in Brazil, which is investing highly in EV infrastructure. Argentina and Colombia are also showing significant strides in solar energy development, hence upping the demand for copper foils in the renewable energy market. The growth is further facilitated by local manufacturing partnerships with international players to increase the production capacity.

Middle East and Africa Copper Foil Market Analysis

Increased investment is being seen across the Middle East and Africa related to electric vehicle (EVs) and initiatives of renewable energies. According to an industrial report, in the year 2023, the sale of EV's in the United Arab Emirates reaches nearly 35,000 accounts for 13% of overall car sales and put it second rank in the EV sales list. This increasing figure of adoption also raises the number of demands by copper foils used in battery of EV. In addition, copper products from South Africa feed the local and regional markets. The developing region that is investing its resources mainly in renewable energy projects such as solar, thereby increasing the copper foils used in solar panels, solidifies the Middle East and Africa as a developing market for copper foils.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape is represented by the presence of several major players, ranging from regional producers to large multinational firms. Various organizations are currently gravitating towards tactical ventures such as collaboration, mergers, and acquisitions to augment their product lines and improve market foothold. Moreover, advancements in product innovation, especially in eco-friendly and exceptional-performance copper foils, is a crucial competitive tactic. In addition, industry giants are heavily investing in capacity expansions and leading-edge production technologies to cater to the magnifying need from numerous end-use sectors, mainly encompassing automotive, electronics, and renewable energy. For instance, in September 2024, Hindalco Industries Limited announced plans to produce copper foils particularly for lithium-ion batteries of electric vehicles, making it the first company in India to produce this product by leveraging the latest technology.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the copper foil market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Carl Schlenk AG
• Chang Chun Group
• Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd.
• ILJIN Materials Co. Ltd.
• JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation (ENEOS Holdings Inc.)
• LS Mtron Co. Ltd.
• Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co. Ltd.
• Nippon Denkai Ltd.
• Rogers Corporation
• SKC Co. Ltd.
• Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.
• Targray Technology International Inc.
• UACJ Corporation

Latest News and Developments:

• December 2024: Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM) and Rio Tinto strategically formed a joint venture pertaining to the Winu copper-gold project in Western Australia. SMM will pay USD 399 million for a 30% equity stake, and Rio Tinto will remain as managing partner. Both companies have said they are looking at potential additional cooperation opportunities related to copper, base metals, and lithium. A pre-feasibility study of the project is likely to be ready in 2025.
• December 2024: Lotte Energy Materials announced to supply its ultra-modern copper foil to Doosan Business Group for utilization in glass substrates. This grade-4 HVLP copper will be provided by Lotte later this month. It was the first mass producer of this product, which supports Nvidia Blackwell GPUs.
• November 2024: Mitsui Mining & Smelting increased copper foil prices, which impacted South Korea's semiconductor supply chain. Copper foil is an essential material for semiconductor packaging substrates, and the price increase by Mitsui has caused a stir in the industry.
• March 2024: According to LS Cable & System, on March 25, 2024, its subsidiary, Korea Future Materials Co., Ltd. signed an investment agreement on building a new copper foil materials plant in Gunsan, Jeonbuk Province. The world's first mass-production of CuFlake™ - a copper material that will significantly reduce production costs and simplify manufacturing processes - is set to start in December this year.
• February 2024: The SK nexilis group reportedly signed an intermediate to long-term contract for copper foil, supplied to Swedish-based Northvolt. The order of KRW 1.4 trillion (USD 961.39 Million) constitutes 80 percent of Northvolt's requirement to meet its requirement over five years and is deemed to produce copper foil enough to cater to one 1.7 million vehicles.

Copper Foil Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the copper foil market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global copper foil market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the copper foil industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.