Goldman Sachs Forecasts Copper Price Decline in 2026 Despite Long-Term Growth Outlook

Goldman Sachs expects copper prices to decline in 2026, according to a recent report from the investment bank, despite increasing demand from power infrastructure projects worldwide. The report suggests that constrained mine supply growth will continue to support prices over the longer term, creating a complex market outlook for both producers and consumers of the industrial metal.

The short-term price decline prediction comes as somewhat counterintuitive given copper's essential role in electrification and renewable energy infrastructure. The metal is crucial for everything from electric vehicle batteries to power transmission lines, with global demand expected to grow significantly as countries transition to cleaner energy sources. However, Goldman Sachs analysts see specific market dynamics creating downward pressure on prices in the coming year.

Looking further ahead, the report projects a much more bullish long-term outlook, with copper prices on the London Metal Exchange expected to reach $15,000 per metric ton by 2035. This represents a substantial increase from current levels and reflects the bank's confidence in sustained demand growth outpacing supply expansion over the next decade. The constrained mine supply growth mentioned in the report suggests that new mining projects may struggle to keep pace with consumption, potentially creating supply shortages that would drive prices higher.

This long-term outlook favors mining companies that are well-positioned to benefit from rising copper prices. Companies like Torr Metals Inc., which trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol TMET, could potentially benefit from these market conditions if they can successfully develop and expand their copper mining operations. Investors seeking more information about Torr Metals Inc. can find updates in the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/TMET.

The Goldman Sachs report originates from information distributed through specialized communications platforms like MiningNewsWire, which focuses on developments in the global mining and resources sectors. MiningNewsWire is part of a larger network of financial news brands that provide distribution services to companies in the sector. More information about their services is available at https://www.MiningNewsWire.com, with full terms of use and disclaimers accessible at https://www.MiningNewsWire.com/Disclaimer.

The implications of Goldman Sachs' copper forecast are significant for multiple stakeholders. For mining companies, the predicted 2026 price decline may create short-term financial pressures, particularly for operations with higher production costs. However, the long-term price projection to $15,000 per metric ton by 2035 provides strong incentive for continued investment in exploration and development. For manufacturers and industries that rely on copper, including electronics, construction, and renewable energy sectors, these price predictions suggest potentially volatile input costs in the near term but sustained higher costs over the long term.

Investors in mining stocks and copper-related commodities will need to balance the short-term bearish outlook against the long-term bullish projections when making portfolio decisions. The divergence between near-term and long-term expectations highlights the complex dynamics affecting commodity markets, where immediate supply-demand imbalances can create price movements that contradict longer-term structural trends. As the global economy continues its transition toward electrification and renewable energy, copper's fundamental importance ensures it will remain a closely watched commodity with significant implications for both industrial production and investment returns.