WHY A GLOBAL COPPER SHORTAGE AFFECTS THE ROOFING INDUSTRY

ROOFING IS PERHAPS not the first industry to spring to mind as being impacted by a world copper shortage, but traditional metal roofers in particular, the current shortage and consequent high price of the metal is a real concern.

In a blog post, Trevor Corser of JTC Roofing Contractors Ltd, who is chairman of the Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors, writes: “As we attempt to navigate a post-pandemic world, there will be, naturally, a few bumps on the road. One unexpected consequence of the supply chain’s return to normal is copper’s rapid rise in price. In fact, copper prices have risen by 50-60% in the last six months alone, and due to the ongoing global shortage, these prices are predicted to rise even further.

“This comes after the three-year period of low copper prices, which was due to the recession that COVID-19 brought about in 2020. So, in a sense, the rapid shift in pricing is reflective of the global economy’s return to normal.

“There is a debate amongst specialists as to whether this is simply a shortterm post-COVID phenomenon, or whether the copper prices will remain high into the future.”

He lists some of the factors that are causing the shortages and high copper prices. They include:

• Supply chains returning to normal levels after the pandemic

• A decline in the discovery of new copper resource deposits

• A reduction in the quality of copper ore

• A rise in market demand for copper

• The on-going demand from property building and urbanisation

• The push for clean energy

The last point is particularly important, as copper is an imperative part of the global push for clean energy. The International Energy Agency has predicted that by 2040, 45% of global copper demand will be for clean energy technologies.

But what about the roofing industry? Trevor explained: “At JTC Roofing, one of our most popular specialist services is the supply and installation of copper roofing. Copper is a fantastic roofing material, which is renowned for its durability and eco-consciousness. We pride ourselves on only ever sourcing our materials from ethical and responsible suppliers.

“We work with some of the most trusted suppliers in the industry, including Aurubis and KME Copper – companies that are renowned for their quality and ethical practices. As a result, we can continue to deliver our same exceptional quality of service, even amidst the current situation.”

It is to be hoped that the supply chain for the metal roofing industry is, indeed, copper-bottomed. q

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