Chile Copper Output Falls 15% in September
Chile, the world's top copper producer, mined 387,870 tonnes in September, down 15.1%, and the third quarter was its weakest of 2026 so far. The post Chile Copper Output Falls 15% in September appeared first on The Rio Times .
Chile, the world's leading copper producer, saw a 15.1% decrease in copper output in September 2026 compared to the same month a year earlier, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). The period from July to September 2026 marked the weakest quarter of 2026 so far. The INE reported that Chile's copper mines produced 387,870 tonnes of fine copper in September 2026, a significant decline from the 459,870 tonnes produced in September 2025.
This represents a 12.4% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2025. The statistics office also noted a temporary suspension at one large copper company and lower ore grades at several mines, which contributed to the reduced output. One of the major mines, Escondida, the world's largest copper mine, produced 252,600 tonnes from July to September 2026, a 19% decrease compared to the previous quarter.
The decline in output can potentially support copper prices, which impacts various industries in the US, including manufacturers and builders. The copper market is influenced by several factors, including demand, the US dollar, and interest rates. While some investors predict a 20.5% chance of US Section 232 tariffs being imposed on copper cables by December 2026, others believe there is a 49.5% chance by the end of 2027.
The Chilean copper shortfall could also affect Chile's own economic growth, as mining is a significant part of the nation's economy.
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