Copper’s high wire act continues

By Brian Taylor – Recycling Today

In an essay titled “Another Month, Another New High” that refers to average price of copper this August, New York-based red metals industry analyst John W. Gross writes, “Nothing comes close to what has been happening with the price of copper” in 2026.

In the August 2026 report of Gross’ “The Copper Journal,” released Sept. 3, the analyst reviews previous market peaks, noting that the United States-based Comex copper price reached nearly $4.50 per pound in 2011 and nearly $4.65 per pound in 2022.

Now, Gross writes, “Since March of last year, copper has posted seven new monthly high averages, with August coming in at $6.59 [per pound]. Looking back over the long sweep of time, nothing comes close to what has been happening with the price of copper more recently.”