Global Copper Supply: Prysmian and Aurubis Sign Their Largest-Ever Long-Term Wire Rod Deal

Prysmian and Aurubis have signed their largest-ever agreement for the long-term supply of copper wire rod, strengthening a strategic partnership that has lasted for more than 30 years. The deal comes as demand for copper continues to rise across power grids, renewable energy, electrification and digital infrastructure.

Long-Term Copper Supply Partnership

Under the new agreement, Aurubis will supply copper wire rod to Prysmian over the long term. Prysmian describes itself as the world's largest buyer of copper wire rod, making reliable access to the material strategically important for its cable manufacturing operations.

The companies have worked together for more than three decades, building a supply relationship focused on product quality, reliability and sustainability.

The new agreement expands this relationship at a time when copper demand is being supported by the expansion of electricity networks and increasing electrification.

Why Copper Wire Rod Matters

Copper wire rod is a key intermediate product used to manufacture electrical wires and cables.

For Prysmian, secure supplies of copper wire rod are essential because copper is a major component of the company's energy and telecommunications cable systems. Increasing demand for electricity infrastructure, renewable power connections and digital networks is creating additional demand for copper-based cable products.

The new agreement therefore provides Prysmian with greater visibility over an important raw material supply chain.

Aurubis Strengthens Europe's Copper Supply Chain

Aurubis is one of Europe's major copper producers and operates an integrated copper production and recycling network.

The company currently produces copper wire rod with approximately 36% recycled material content, according to Prysmian. Aurubis operates four copper rod plants across Europe, providing supply flexibility and proximity to important European markets.

This combination of primary and recycled copper production is becoming increasingly important as manufacturers seek more resilient and lower-carbon supply chains.

Growing Demand From Electrification and Energy Infrastructure

The agreement comes against a backdrop of increasing copper demand.

Copper is widely used in electricity transmission and distribution, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, industrial equipment and telecommunications.

The expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure is also contributing to demand because data centres require significant amounts of electrical equipment and power infrastructure.

Prysmian and Aurubis said their agreement will help support the supply of copper needed for electrification, energy infrastructure and digitalization.

Focus on Lower-Carbon and Recycled Copper

Sustainability is another important element of the partnership.

Aurubis says its copper wire rod contains an increasing share of recycled material and has a carbon footprint significantly below the global industry average for comparable products. All four of Aurubis' rod mills have also received The Copper Mark, an independent assurance framework for responsible copper production, sourcing and recycling.

Prysmian is also a member of The Copper Mark and has been working to increase the sustainability of its products and supply chain.

By combining recycled copper production with long-term customer relationships, the companies aim to strengthen circularity within the copper value chain.

Strengthening European Supply Security

The agreement also has implications for Europe's industrial supply security.

Copper is considered a critical material for the energy transition because modern electricity infrastructure requires large volumes of the metal. Securing regional sources of copper wire rod can help cable manufacturers reduce supply-chain risks and maintain production capacity closer to their major markets.

Aurubis' European production footprint provides Prysmian with multiple sources of supply while supporting shorter and more resilient regional supply chains.

A Partnership Built Over More Than 30 Years

The latest agreement builds on a relationship that has developed over more than three decades.

The companies previously signed a long-term copper wire rod supply agreement in 2024. At that time, Aurubis described Prysmian as a long-standing strategic partner and highlighted the importance of copper supply for the expansion of energy-transition infrastructure.

The 2026 agreement takes the partnership further by establishing what Prysmian and Aurubis describe as their largest agreement so far.

Supporting the Energy Transition

Reliable copper supply is becoming increasingly important as countries expand electricity grids and invest in renewable generation and electrification.

Prysmian's cables are used across energy and telecommunications infrastructure, while Aurubis supplies copper products and operates recycling facilities that contribute to the circular use of the metal.

The companies say their cooperation can help create more sustainable copper value chains while supporting Europe's industrial competitiveness.

Key Agreement Facts

Copper Supply Becomes More Strategic

The Prysmian–Aurubis agreement highlights the growing strategic importance of copper as electricity demand and digital infrastructure expand.

By securing long-term access to copper wire rod, Prysmian can strengthen an important part of its cable manufacturing supply chain, while Aurubis can deepen its relationship with a major industrial customer.

The partnership also demonstrates how recycled materials, regional production and long-term supply agreements can contribute to more resilient copper value chains as Europe expands its energy and digital infrastructure.

Source

Prysmian – Landmark Long-Term Copper Agreement with Aurubis

Aurubis – 2026 Press Releases

Aurubis – 2024 Long-Term Copper Wire Rod Supply Agreement