Copper Price at CNY 92,420/ton: Impact on the Condenser and Evaporator Coil Market 

As of today, the domestic Chinese copper price has reached CNY 92,420 per metric ton, marking one of the highest levels seen this year. As copper is the primary raw material used in condenser coils and evaporator coils, this sustained price increase has had a direct and measurable impact on the global HVAC and refrigeration components market.

Throughout 2025, copper prices have continued to trend upward, driven by a combination of factors including constrained mine supply, strong demand from electrification and renewable energy sectors, and steady recovery in industrial manufacturing. For HVAC coil manufacturers, especially those producing copper tube copper fin condenser coils and evaporator coils, raw material costs have risen significantly, placing pressure on production margins and pricing strategies.

Impact on Condenser and Evaporator Coil Manufacturing

Copper tubing accounts for a substantial portion of the total material cost of condenser and evaporator coils. The current copper price level has resulted in:

• Higher manufacturing costs for HVAC coils, particularly for OEM and custom-designed condenser and evaporator coils

• Upward adjustments in coil prices, with many suppliers introducing copper price linkage or temporary surcharges

• Tighter margins for manufacturers operating under fixed-price supply contracts

• Longer procurement lead times, as some producers increase inventory levels to hedge against further copper price increases

For overseas buyers sourcing condenser and evaporator coils from China, Southeast Asia, or other Asian manufacturing hubs, copper price volatility has become a key consideration in supplier selection and contract negotiation.

Market Response and Material Substitution Trends

The sharp rise in copper prices has also accelerated discussions around material substitution, particularly the use of aluminium coils or copper-aluminium hybrid designs in certain HVAC applications. While copper remains the preferred material due to its superior thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and brazing reliability, aluminium solutions are increasingly evaluated for cost-sensitive or large-volume projects.

However, for many commercial HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and industrial cooling applications, copper condenser and evaporator coils remain the standard choice, especially where long-term performance and system reliability are critical.

Market Outlook: Copper Prices and HVAC Coil Industry

Short-term outlook:
In the coming months, copper prices are expected to remain volatile. Seasonal demand, inventory restocking, and macroeconomic factors may continue to support elevated price levels. As a result, HVAC coil prices are unlikely to decline significantly in the short term.

Medium-term outlook:
Looking into 2026, structural demand from energy transition, data centers, and infrastructure projects is expected to provide continued support for copper prices. While some price correction is possible if supply improves, the overall cost base for condenser and evaporator coil manufacturing is likely to remain higher than historical averages.

RefriCore Perspective

At RefriCore, we closely monitor copper market trends and proactively optimize our sourcing, production planning, and coil design to help customers manage cost fluctuations. Transparent pricing mechanisms, flexible material options, and efficient manufacturing processes allow us to continue supplying high-quality condenser coils and evaporator coils for global HVAC and refrigeration markets despite raw material volatility.

As copper prices remain a defining factor for the HVAC industry, strategic procurement planning and close collaboration between coil manufacturers and customers will be essential in the period ahead.