AI demand drives sharp surge in copper demand, 2026 high-end copper foil for AI servers to rise 260%

AI servers are driving a significant increase in demand for high-end copper foil, with market forecasts predicting a 260% rise in specialized copper foil demand for AI servers in 2026, reaching approximately 24,000 metric tons. This surge is attributed to the high copper consumption in AI training servers, which use 3 to 6 times more copper than standard servers. In Jiangxi Yingtang, a copper processing company reports orders extending to year-end, with monthly production exceeding 2,000 metric tons. In Anhui Chizhou, a firm produces ultra-low profile copper foil, used in high-speed PCBs for AI servers, with surface roughness controlled to within 2 micrometers, enhancing signal transmission by 70%. The demand for high-end copper foil has been tight since last December, with processing fees rising 30% to 50%. Prices for ultra-low profile copper foil have also increased by 10% to 30% this year. Looking ahead, global demand for AI server-specific high-end copper foil is expected to reach 50,000 metric tons in 2027 and surpass 110,000 metric tons by 2030. Morgan Stanley predicts global copper demand in data centers will double to 130,000 metric tons by 2028, driven by AI servers, liquid cooling systems, and power infrastructure.