Japan: Copper wire shipments rise 4.3% in July on export growth, stronger automotive demand

• Total copper wire shipments increase 4.3% y-o-y to 53,400 t
• Automotive demand remains firm, exports surge on power projects
• Construction and capital investment-related demand stays weak

Japan’s copper wire shipments increased by 4.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 53,400 tonnes in July 2026, marking the first annual increase in three months, according to preliminary data released by the Japan Electric Wire Industry Association (JEC). The growth was primarily driven by a sharp rise in exports and stronger automotive demand, offsetting weakness in construction, capital investment-related sectors and several domestic demand segments.

Export shipments emerged as the key growth driver during the month. Overseas shipments reached 3,400 t, nearly 3.6 times higher than the same period last year and the highest level since June 2022, when exports stood at 4,011 t. Industry sources attributed the increase to large-scale power-related projects, which boosted demand for copper wire products in export markets.

The automotive sector also recorded healthy growth. Shipments to the automobile industry rose 8.7% y-o-y to 9,200 t, supported by steady domestic vehicle production.

The sector has now expanded for two consecutive months, with the pace of growth accelerating compared with June. Market participants noted that automotive demand continues to provide a stable outlet for copper wire consumption despite broader economic uncertainties.

Electrical machinery shipments remained resilient at 10,600 t, broadly unchanged from the previous year. The segment maintained a solid performance for July, reflecting stable manufacturing activity.

However, weakness persisted across several domestic demand sectors. Shipments to the construction and electrical materials segment declined 3.2% y-o-y to 22,600 t. While demand from electrical contractors improved, commercial sales through electrical material distributors and retailers remained below year-ago levels. The sector has now contracted for two consecutive months, with the rate of decline widening from June.

Other domestic demand segments, largely linked to capital investment activity, fell 7.3% y-o-y to 3,500 t. Although the sector recorded its tenth consecutive monthly decline, the negative margin narrowed to single digits, suggesting some stabilisation in industrial demand.

Meanwhile, telecommunications shipments rose 11.1% y-o-y to 600 t, marking the first annual increase in 13 months. Despite the improvement, volumes remained relatively low as copper cable demand continues to face structural pressure from the increasing adoption of optical fibre networks.

Electric power-related shipments stood at 3,500 t, almost unchanged from the previous year. While the sector remained below year-ago levels for a fourth consecutive month, the decline was marginal, indicating continued stability in utility-related demand.

Overall, July’s recovery highlights the growing importance of export demand and automotive production in supporting Japan’s copper wire industry, while construction and investment-driven sectors continue to face headwinds.

Note: This article has been written in accordance with a content exchange agreement between Japan Metal Daily and BigMint.