2026.03.3112:00:00UTC+00Chile’s Copper Output Slump Deepens in February, Extending Year-on-Year Declines

Chile’s copper production contracted further in February 2026, underscoring persistent pressure on the world’s largest copper producer. According to the latest data updated on 31 March 2026, year-on-year output fell by 4.8% in February, a sharper decline than January’s 3.0% drop compared with the same month a year earlier.

The figures show that the downtrend in copper production is intensifying on an annual basis. The January 2026 indicator reflected a 3.0% year-on-year decrease, while the February reading widened to a 4.8% fall compared with February of the previous year. Both indicators are measured on a year-over-year basis, comparing each month’s performance with the corresponding month a year ago.

The deepening decline in February suggests ongoing challenges for Chile’s copper sector, with production failing to stabilize after the softer contraction recorded at the start of the year.