Record copper prices are accelerating manufacturers' shift toward aluminium, driven by lower costs and lighter weight. Automakers are expanding aluminium use as supply shortages, energy transition demand and geopolitical disruptions keep copper prices elevated and strengthen aluminium's long-term growth prospects.

Copper, widely considered a building block for the energy transition, has reached record highs this year. But analysts warn it faces some headwinds.

Record copper prices are accelerating manufacturers' shift toward aluminium, driven by lower costs and lighter weight. Automakers are expanding aluminium use as supply shortages,…