The copper market is seeing big changes lately. A short-term trade truce between the US and China has helped push copper prices up, giving investors some relief. At the same time, China is producing more refined copper than ever before.

But there’s a problem, there isn’t enough copper ore to meet demand. Even with record imports, supply is still tight. With inflation and global growth concerns still hanging around, the market remains on edge.

Let’s study deeper…

Copper Prices Rally on Eased Trump’s Tariff Tensions

COMEX July Futures: Copper futures for July delivery are trading at approximately $4.68 per pound (or $10,296 per tonne), reflecting a 1.3% increase following the recent US-China trade truce.

This boost came after a temporary easing in trade tensions between the US and China. Investors welcomed the news, anticipating smoother trade flows and fewer disruptions in global commodity markets.

What’s Driving the Copper Price Surge?

Elaborating further, both countries have rolled back tariffs for the next 90 days. US tariffs on Chinese goods dropped to 30%, while China cut its tariffs on US imports to 10%. This move has created a positive ripple effect across commodities, stocks, and currencies.

According to media sources, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the agreement as a “very good framework” and stressed that the US is not seeking full economic decoupling from China. This statement helped further calm market fears.

Another significant factor that pushed up copper prices was China’s record-high imports in April. The world’s largest copper consumer imported nearly 3 million tonnes of copper concentrate last month. Experts predict that this increase could ease supply tightness and help local smelters, which have been struggling with low ore availability.

Challenges Still Persist for Chinese Copper Smelters

While China’s copper imports have surged, its smelters remain under pressure. According to Discovery Alert, spot treatment charges turned negative in December and fell further to -$57.50 per tonne by early May. Smelters are now paying to process ore, which is a sign of tight supply and intense competition.

China’s refined copper production has hit all-time highs, even though copper ore remains in short supply. The situation worsened due to a two-month export halt at Indonesia’s PT Freeport mine and a smelter shutdown in the Philippines. Both events tightened global supply but later helped China when ore flow resumed.

According to Mysteel Global analyst Li Chengbin, Chinese plants are better prepared this year, securing long-term contracts and benefiting from resumed exports out of Indonesia.

• READ MORE: Nornickel’s Big Copper Bet: Will It Disrupt China’s Smelting Power? 

A Look Back: The Copper Price Shakeup

Just days before the trade truce, copper prices took a hit. On April 4, Bloomberg reported a sharp decline in both copper and global equity markets. On the London Metal Exchange, prices dropped as much as 7.7%, briefly reaching $8,735 per tonne before rebounding slightly.

Earlier, traders had rushed to ship copper into the US to avoid rising tariffs. Premiums surged to $500 per tonne. Major firms like Mercuria and Trafigura had predicted copper prices could hit $12,000 per tonne. But when the US unexpectedly shortened the tariff deadline, buyers were caught off guard, and stockpiles began piling up outside US ports.

• RELATED: Copper Prices Crash as U.S.-China Tariff War Triggers Market Mayhem 

Copper Market Outlook 2025–2026

The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) shared its latest copper forecast during a meeting held on April 25, 2025, in Lisbon. Both mine and refined copper production are expected to see solid growth through 2026.

ICSG expects a surplus of about 289,000 tonnes for 2025, slightly higher than the surplus of 194,000 tonnes forecast last September. It’s a surplus of about 209,000 tonnes is currently expected for 2026. This is attributed to weak global demand, particularly influenced by U.S. tariff policies.

Mine Production on the Rise

In 2025, global copper mine production is projected to increase by 2.3%, reaching around 23.5 million tons. This growth will be driven mainly by the continued ramp-up of major projects like Kamoa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia, along with the commissioning of the new Malmyz mine in Russia.

However, some of these gains will be partially offset by expected output declines in Australia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.

For 2026, the ICSG expects a slightly higher growth rate of 2.5%. This will be supported by ongoing capacity expansion, particularly in China, as well as an expected recovery in Indonesia and improved output from Chile and Zambia.

Additionally, several smaller mining operations and mid-sized projects in countries like Brazil, Iran, Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Eritrea, Greece, Angola, and Morocco will contribute to the overall production increase.

Refined Copper Output Expanding

Refined copper production is forecast to rise by about 2.9% in 2025. The increase will be fueled by continued capacity expansion in China and new refining operations starting in Indonesia, India, and the DRC.

Growth in 2026 is expected to slow slightly to 1.5%, but output will still benefit from ongoing upgrades and new capacity additions across several countries.

In short, the global copper market is on a growth path, with new projects and recovering output in key regions setting the stage for steady production gains through 2026.

Other Forecasts

• Long-Term Price Predictions: According to LongForecast, copper prices are expected to average around $4.535 per pound in May 2025, with potential fluctuations ranging from $4.180 to $4.896.

• Goldman Sachs has revised its copper price forecast for Q2 2025 to $9,330 per tonne, up from the previous estimate of $8,620, citing shifts in the global metals market.

The US-China trade truce has breathed new life into the copper market, lifting prices and calming investor nerves. China’s record copper imports have also helped support global demand. But the road ahead is still uncertain. All in all, inflation, interest rates, and economic growth will all play a role in copper’s next move.

• FURTHER READING: Copper Crunch! How Trump’s Tariffs and Supply Shocks Drive Prices Up

The post Copper Prices Surge to $10,296/Tonne as US-China Truce Sparks Market Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is emerging as a global solar energy leader. With falling solar costs, government-backed clean energy strategies, and strong partnerships with Chinese manufacturers, the region is accelerating its renewable energy transition.

• According to the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) 2025 Solar Outlook Report, MENA’s solar capacity could exceed 180 GW by 2030.

In 2024 alone, installed capacity reached 24 GWAC, up 25% from the previous year, and is expected to surpass 30 GW by year-end.

MENA’s Solar Boom: The UAE Leads the Growth

The UAE is leading the solar growth in the region with bold plans like the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims for 75% renewable energy by 2050, and the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, targeting 30% renewables by 2030.

It expanded its solar capacity from just 12 MW in 2012 to 6.1 GW in 2023, now ranking 10th globally in solar capacity per capita. Programs such as Shams Dubai are also encouraging homes and businesses to install solar panels.

To meet these goals, companies are incorporating digital and scalable tools that help manage large solar projects and improve efficiency.

Gears Up to Become Global Solar Powerhouse

• Saudi Arabia has giga-scale projects such as the 700 MWAC Ar Rass 1 plant and the Red Sea solar development.
• Egypt is also advancing rapidly, with the Kom Ombo 200 MWAC project now online and Benban Solar Park already contributing over 1.6 GW.
• North African countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia are scaling up, with Morocco surpassing 2 GW and Algeria targeting 15 GW by 2035, partly through its plan to solar-power 22,000 schools.

Set to Replace Southeast Asia in Global Solar Trade?

The global solar supply chain is undergoing a shift—and MENA is at the center of it. Wood Mackenzie projects that the region will emerge as a low-tariff hub for solar panel manufacturing.

As per Wood Mackenzie, with US tariffs on Southeast Asian solar modules reaching up to 651%, MENA’s 10% import tariff advantage is already attracting Chinese manufacturers. As a result, the region’s solar manufacturing capacity could reach 44 GW by 2029, with Chinese firms projected to control 85% of that output by 2028.

This trend is driven not only by tariffs but also by growing local demand, abundant sunlight, and regional ambitions to dominate solar exports. In fact, MENA is forecast to achieve solar module self-sufficiency by 2026.

These factors together make MENA one of the most cost-competitive regions for exporting solar components to global markets, especially the US.

Policy Push and Private Sector Action

Strong policy backing is another major growth driver. The UAE aims to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030 under its Energy Strategy 2050, supported by AED 150–200 billion in investments.

Saudi Arabia has raised its clean energy commitment to $235 billion and wants two-thirds of its residential electricity to come from renewables by 2030.

Egypt and Morocco are also pushing hard, targeting 42% and 52% renewable shares in their electricity mixes, respectively.

Private players like ACWA Power, AMEA Power, Jinko, and Masdar are actively driving installations across the region. Notably, the Red Sea project in Saudi Arabia is integrating solar, wind, and battery storage to power an entire tourist development sustainably.

In the UAE, the 500 MWAC Abydos project will also include 300 MWh of battery energy storage when it goes online later this year.

READ MORE: UAE to Invest $54B in Renewable Energy as Part of Net Zero Goal

Innovation, Jobs, and Economic Impact of Solar Growth

The solar sector is fueling not just clean energy but economic transformation across MENA. Investments in solar are expected to create more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030.

Advances in solar module mounting structures, tracking systems, and battery storage are reducing the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), making renewables even more affordable.

Several hybrid solar projects now combine PV with green hydrogen production, desalination, and waste-to-energy systems, reflecting a new era of infrastructure innovation.

With high solar irradiance, strong financing momentum, and growing investor confidence, the region is solidifying its position as a global solar hub.

MENA’s Solar Outlook: From Regional Player to Global Export Hub

Wood Mackenzie predicted earlier that the global solar market is expected to stabilize at 493 GW in 2025, and MENA is on track to contribute significantly to that total. With the right mix of natural resources, strategic trade advantages, and supportive policies, the region is quickly moving from energy importer to clean energy exporter.

All in all, MENA’s solar growth is not only helping meet climate goals but also shaping new economic futures for millions across the Arab world.

• LATEST: India Hits 100 GW Solar Milestone, Eyes Global Solar Export Hub with EU Partnership 

The post MENA’s Renewable Energy Boom: Solar Capacity to Hit 180 GW by 2030 appeared first on Carbon Credits.

L’Oréal is making bold moves toward a more sustainable beauty industry with its Sustainable Innovation Accelerator. Under the global “L’Oréal for the Future” plan, this initiative helps quickly develop technologies. These technologies aim to lower the environmental impact of cosmetics production and L’Oréal’s carbon footprint.

The beauty company aims to lower carbon emissions, reduce waste, and form eco-friendly partnerships. These efforts seek to change the beauty industry. They also aim to meet the growing demand for sustainable products.

By working closely with startups and scientific innovators, L’Oréal plans to push boundaries in green technology. Ezgi Barcenas, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at L’Oréal, remarked:

“This accelerator will help address the solution gap and help steer the catalytic adoption of breakthrough technologies.”

This marks a shift in how beauty companies think about growth—balancing performance with responsibility.

Innovation Engine: The Accelerator at Work

The €100 million Sustainable Innovation Accelerator helps boost new ideas that make cosmetics more sustainable. L’Oréal is directing substantial investment toward this initiative, focusing on two main goals: carbon emissions and waste reduction.

The program supports technologies that lower emissions throughout the supply chain. This includes everything from sourcing ingredients to packaging and delivery. It also encourages solutions that cut down on plastic, packaging waste, and excess materials in manufacturing.

L’Oréal has big green goals. By 2030, it wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% for each product. This is based on 2016 levels and follows science-based targets from the UN.

The accelerator doesn’t work alone. It builds partnerships with startups, researchers, and suppliers, creating a network of innovation. In 2023, L’Oréal helped over 70 startups. These startups worked on climate solutions, biotechnology, and sustainable packaging.

Carbon Goals: From Reduction to Net Zero

L’Oréal’s path to sustainability isn’t just about products—it’s about long-term responsibility. The company plans to be net zero by 2050. This means it aims to balance the emissions it creates with what it takes out of the atmosphere.

In 2023, L’Oréal’s Scope 3 emissions were about 11,406 thousand tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. The biggest sources were purchased goods and services, which accounted for 5,170 thousand tonnes. Also, the use of sold products contributed 4,297 thousand tonnes.

Despite the overall increase in emissions, L’Oréal managed to cut emissions from its operated sites (Scopes 1 and 2) by 74% since 2019. This was achieved even with a 12% rise in production during that time.

The company cut greenhouse gas emissions from product transport by 9.7%. It aims for a 50% reduction per finished product by 2030, using 2016 as a baseline.

Additionally, 83% of L’Oréal’s operated sites globally had reached 100% renewable energy by the end of 2023, up from 34% in 2019.

To get to net zero, L’Oréal set clear science-based targets, including:

• By 2025: All L’Oréal sites—including factories, distribution centers, and offices—will be carbon neutral.

• By 2030: A 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per finished product compared to 2016 levels.

• By 2050: Net zero across the entire value chain, including suppliers and consumers.

To support these goals, L’Oréal is investing in renewable energy, green building design, and transportation alternatives. As of 2023, over 70% of its industrial sites had already achieved carbon neutrality by using solar, wind, biomass, or hydroelectric power.

In addition, L’Oréal has created a €50 million Climate Fund for Nature. This fund helps carbon offset projects. It supports reforestation, wetland restoration, and soil regeneration. These efforts absorb carbon dioxide and boost biodiversity.

L’Oréal partners with organizations like the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This helps ensure its progress is clear and accountable.

Biotech Breakthroughs: A Cleaner Chemistry

One of the most exciting frontiers in sustainable beauty is biotechnology. L’Oréal is using biotech to find new options. These alternatives can replace traditional ingredients that often harm the environment or use too many resources.

The Beauty Tech Challenge 2025—part of the accelerator’s broader mission—invites startups to submit ideas that use biotechnology to make skin and hair care products with lower emissions and waste. Biotech can make biodegradable ingredients from renewable sources like algae or yeast. This replaces chemicals that come from petroleum or rare plants.

One successful example of this is L’Oréal’s partnership with Genomatica, a U.S. biotech company. They are working together to create sustainable alternatives to palm oil. This ingredient is commonly used but is linked to deforestation. The partnership can lower the beauty industry’s environmental impact by making palm oil substitutes in labs using fermentation.

In 2023, L’Oréal launched a shampoo with biotech surfactants. These compounds clean hair gently, avoiding harsh chemicals. These new formulas are not only more sustainable but also gentler on skin and scalp, adding value for consumers.

Beauty Tech on the Rise

L’Oréal’s ambition goes beyond ingredients—it includes how products are made, delivered, and experienced. The company’s Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program helps startups. It focuses on smart packaging, circular systems, and digital tools. These tools promote responsible consumption.

Examples include:

• Smart refillable packaging. A startup supported by L’Oréal developed a system that tracks usage and reminds consumers to refill, reducing plastic waste.

• AI-powered skin diagnostics. Tools that assist customers in selecting the right product for their skin. This helps cut down on waste and avoid unnecessary purchases.

• 3D printing for custom cosmetics. L’Oréal is experimenting with 3D printers that can create makeup on demand, minimizing inventory waste.

These innovations help L’Oréal cover the entire lifecycle of its products and cut carbon emissions where possible. This includes production, consumer use, and disposal. They also attract tech-savvy and eco-friendly buyers.

The company has also launched “SPOT” (Sustainable Product Optimization Tool), a system that measures the social and environmental footprint of each product. As of 2023, SPOT has evaluated over 95% of L’Oréal’s portfolio, helping the brand design cleaner, greener items.

A Green Future in Focus

The beauty market is booming. Analysts expect it to reach $750 billion globally by 2025. But this growth comes with responsibility. Consumers today are asking tough questions: Where do ingredients come from? Is the packaging recyclable? Does the brand support climate action?

Market research supports this shift. According to IBM’s Institute for Business Value, 58% of consumers are willing to change their buying habits to help the environment. Moreover, companies that adopt sustainable practices see long-term benefits. A study by NYU Stern found that sustainably marketed products grew 2.7x faster than their conventional counterparts.

The global sustainable beauty market could grow at an annual growth rate of 9.1% through 2030. That means demand for eco-friendly, ethically sourced products will only increase.

L’Oréal’s investments today position it to lead tomorrow. Its Sustainable Innovation Accelerator isn’t just a project. It’s a guide for beauty brands to grow and change. By combining biotechnology, smart packaging, and digital tools, the company is showing that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand.

• READ MORE: Amazon Unveils Carbon Credit Investment Service: A Game Changer for Corporate Sustainability

The post L’Oréal’s €100M Green Glow-Up: Where Beauty Meets Sustainability appeared first on Carbon Credits.