As global demand for copper continues to rise, driven by the rapid growth of data centers, clean energy, and grid modernization, considerations about supply stability are emerging. According to the S&P Global Report, Copper in the U.S.: Opportunities and Challenges, commissioned by the Copper Development Association (CDA), copper demand is expected to double by 2035, presenting challenges and opportunities across various industries. However, the outlook for copper supply remains strong. The United States holds over 275 million metric tons of copper reserves and resources—enough to meet the nation's projected demand for the foreseeable future—and with strategic initiatives in mining, refining, and recycling, its supply chain is well-positioned to support this increasing demand.
Across residential, commercial, and industrial markets, HVAC systems are being pushed to do more — improve energy efficiency, meet environmental standards, and perform reliably under increasingly complex conditions. The rise of data centers and AI infrastructure has only intensified the demand for scalable, high-performance thermal management. For the HVAC/R industry, this stable outlook reinforces why small-diameter copper tubes continue to be an innovative, sustainable, and future-ready choice for high-performance systems. For manufacturers, this means designing systems that deliver and can be produced at scale with reliable materials. Copper stands out for its proven performance, versatility, and sustainability. Whether engineering high-efficiency heat pumps or refining coil designs, copper offers the conductivity, strength, and recyclability modern HVAC systems require — and customers expect. Just as important, its availability through secure and growing supply chains ensures manufacturers can confidently meet rising demand.
A significant and sustained increase in copper availability is essential to meeting the U.S. infrastructure and AI dominance goals. While headlines often suggest impending challenges, the reality is more complex. It’s not a lack of resources, but improving and streamlining our processes within the United States. Fortunately, the U.S. can tackle this challenge through an all-of-the-above strategy that taps into its abundant copper reserves, a growing recycling and refining sector, and strong partnerships with reliable trade partners.
As the demand for advanced data centers and AI infrastructure grows, the U.S. federal government should designate copper as a critical mineral on the USGS list. This designation would streamline permitting processes and encourage investment in domestic mining, refining, and recycling. It would help ensure a stable and responsive supply chain to meet the industry's increasing needs.
Small-diameter copper tubing supports the development of compact, lightweight, and highly efficient heat exchangers—an increasingly important factor as system designers work within tighter spaces and higher efficiency goals. When these tubes have improved inner-grooved surfaces, they enhance heat transfer by increasing the internal surface area, optimizing system efficiency, and reducing overall operational loads.
In addition to superior thermal conductivity, copper offers exceptional durability. Its natural resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand pressure fluctuations help ensure long-term system performance with minimal maintenance. This reliability is critical in high-demand HVAC/R environments where consistent operation is essential.
From both economic and environmental perspectives, small-diameter copper tubes offer outstanding benefits. Their reduced material usage leads to lighter, more cost-effective installations, and because copper is fully recyclable without performance loss, these systems support circular economy initiatives and sustainable building practices.
The future of HVAC/R is clear: systems must be more intelligent, efficient, and built to support today and tomorrow. Copper, with a secure and scalable supply achieved through domestic resources, enhanced recycling, and strong international partnerships, has the potential to drive the next generation of high-performance, sustainable HVAC solutions.
At the Copper Development Association, we’re committed to supporting HVAC professionals with technical insights, market intelligence, and sourcing guidance that help you build smarter, more sustainable systems.
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Together, we can ensure the future of HVAC is efficient, resilient, and powered by copper.