The sharp rise in copper prices in the international market has increased cost pressures on the electronics and consumer durables industry. In India, its impact is particularly being seen on air conditioners (ACs), televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and other electronic appliances. However, it would not be correct to say that every electronic product will become directly 7–8% more expensive because of rising copper prices. Actual price changes depend on several factors, including the product, company, existing inventory, other raw materials, the dollar-rupee exchange rate and freight costs.
According to a PTI report published on September 27, 2026, several Indian appliance and consumer-electronics companies are preparing to increase prices from October 1. The report mentions a possible increase of around 5–8% in AC prices, while some companies may increase prices of categories such as TVs, refrigerators and washing machines by 3–4%. These are potential or announced increases reported by companies and industry officials; they are not a government-mandated price increase applicable to every product in the market.
Why Have Copper Prices Increased So Much in the International Market ?
Copper is an important industrial metal used in several areas, including electricity, electronics, construction, automobiles, power grids and renewable energy. The Official Price of the London Metal Exchange (LME) is considered an important reference price for the international copper market.
Copper prices have risen significantly in 2026. On September 10, LME copper reached approximately $14,875 per metric tonne, close to a record level. Prices fluctuated afterward. According to Reuters, on September 28, 2026, three-month LME copper was trading at around $14,467.50 per tonne. This means the current price remains above $14,000 per tonne.
There is no single reason behind this increase. Global supply, mining production, industrial demand, U.S. trade policy, the strength of the dollar and investor activity in the market have collectively influenced copper prices.
What Is the Connection with U.S. Tariff Policy ?
U.S. trade policy is an important part of the current copper story. In July 2025, the U.S. administration imposed a 50% tariff on certain semi-finished copper products and copper-intensive derivative products. The same order also provided for a review of possible future tariffs on refined copper.
Later, in 2026, the U.S. administration made changes to the Section 232 tariff framework covering certain copper articles and derivatives. An April 2026 White House order provided for a 25% tariff on certain copper articles and different rates for some broader metal categories.
It is important to understand that U.S. tariffs should not be interpreted as a direct tariff on ACs or TVs in India. U.S. import policies can affect other markets indirectly through global trade flows and the distribution of copper inventories.
Reuters reported in August 2026 that concerns over a possible U.S. tariff on refined copper led to large quantities of copper being shipped toward the United States, putting pressure on inventories available in other markets.
This is why copper prices can be influenced not only by actual consumption but also by expectations surrounding future trade policies.
Why Could ACs and Other Appliances Become More Expensive in India ?
Copper is an important raw material used in many electrical and electronic components in India. According to the Ministry of Mines, annual refined copper consumption in the Indian copper industry is around 660,000 tonnes. The ministry's Copper Vision Document puts domestic refined copper usage at approximately 0.84 million tonnes in FY2024.
ACs are a clear example. According to the PTI report of September 27, Haier India said that a typical air conditioner may contain around 3–4 kilograms of copper. Therefore, a significant increase in copper prices can affect the input costs of AC manufacturers.
However, the entire price of an AC is not determined by copper alone. Compressors, aluminium, steel, plastics, electronic components, refrigerants, energy costs, transportation, labour, taxes and currency exchange rates also contribute to the final price.
Therefore, an increase in copper prices does not mean that AC prices will rise by the same percentage.
How Much Are Companies Planning to Increase Prices ?
According to the PTI report, some manufacturers have indicated that AC prices could increase by around 5–8% from October. Some companies are also changing prices of refrigerators, washing machines and LED TVs.
For example, the report stated that:
- Some AC companies are preparing to increase prices by around 5–8%.
- Some manufacturers are increasing prices of washing machines, refrigerators and LED TVs by around 3–4%.
- Super Plastronics indicated plans for around a 7% increase in TV prices.
- Daikin India reported an 8–10% increase in AC prices in September.
- Haier India planned an increase of around 5% in room AC prices from October.
These figures should be understood as price increases announced or indicated by individual industry companies, not as a uniform 5–8% price increase decided by the Government of India.
Copper Is Not the Only Reason
An important aspect of this entire situation is that appliance manufacturers are facing pressure from several costs simultaneously.
According to PTI, apart from copper, aluminium, steel, crude-oil derivatives, freight costs and currency volatility are also increasing companies' costs.
According to a September 2026 report by the Economic Times, some electronics manufacturers are also exploring the use of aluminium instead of expensive copper in certain applications and are considering changes in product design. This is being viewed within the industry as value engineering.
This means companies are not relying only on price increases. They can also use measures such as material substitution, local sourcing, product redesign and absorbing some of the additional costs for a period of time.
Will TVs, Refrigerators and Cars Also Become More Expensive ?
This point requires caution.
The role of copper in the price of a TV or refrigerator can be different from its role in an AC. The amount of copper, production process and component sourcing can vary from one product to another. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to assume the same percentage increase in the price of every product simply because copper prices have risen.
The situation is also different for automobiles. Copper is important in automotive electrical systems and electric vehicles, but it would not be correct to attribute the entire price of a car to copper prices. Vehicle prices are influenced by several factors, including steel, aluminium, batteries, semiconductors, logistics, taxation, exchange rates and the company's pricing strategy.
What Could Be the Broader Impact on India ?
Copper demand in India is increasing due to infrastructure, the power sector, renewable energy, automobiles, electrical equipment and construction. Ministry of Mines documents also highlight the long-term potential for growth in copper consumption in India.
If international copper prices remain elevated for a prolonged period, they could affect the costs of electrical wires, transformers, motors, appliances, renewable-energy equipment and some industrial products.
On the other hand, if international copper prices decline or companies absorb part of the additional costs, the impact on consumers could remain limited.
Therefore, the simple explanation that “copper has become expensive, so every electronic product will become 8% more expensive from October” would not be factually accurate.
What Does This Mean for Consumers ?
The festive season begins in October, and demand for consumer electronics and appliances generally increases during this period. At such a time, manufacturers may pass on some of the increase in input costs to retail prices.
However, price changes may vary across different brands and models. Older stock may still be available at previous prices, while revised prices may apply to newer production batches. In addition, companies may use discounts and promotional offers to partially offset the actual impact on consumers.
The rise in copper prices in 2026 is linked to real developments in global markets. LME copper approached record levels in September and was still trading at around $14,467 per tonne on September 28.
In India, the impact is being felt by the appliance industry, and several manufacturers have indicated price increases for ACs and some other consumer-electronics products from October. However, it would not be correct to assume that a 5–8% increase applies to every product across the entire market.
The most important point is that prices are being influenced not only by copper but also by aluminium, steel, crude-oil derivatives, freight costs, exchange rates and the individual pricing strategies of companies. Therefore, the direction of consumer-electronics prices in the coming months will depend on the international copper market as well as all these cost factors and the decisions taken by individual manufacturers.
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