the international exchange of copper and copper-containing materials, encompassing a range of products and intermediates such as copper cathode, copper scrap, copper semis (e.g., rods, wires, tubes, and sheets), as well as, to a lesser extent, copper powders and compounds.
see also: copper balance; copper trade;
note: Trade is vital to balance global supply and demand. Copper-producing countries often extract and refine copper well beyond their domestic consumption needs. Copper-importing countries, many of which lack copper mining activities, depend on international trade to meet their copper demands for infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology.