China’s copper semis output rose 3.5% month‑on‑month in September, supported by seasonal restocking and strong demand from high‑end sectors such as AI and EVs. Higher semis production lifts demand for copper cathode as raw material, creating upward pressure on its price.
Spot premiums for copper cathode declined as delivery approached amid a wide futures‑contract spread and subdued downstream buying. Inventories fell while withdrawals rose, pressuring prices. Premiums are expected to stay at elevated levels next week as supply tightens and demand recovers.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Scrap | China | FOB | USD 13,803.39/MT | August 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | India | CIF | USD 13,894.17/MT | August 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | USA | CIF | USD 13,959.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | Germany | CIF | USD 13,916.97/MT | August 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | Australia | CIF | USD 13,898.06/MT | August 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | China | FOB | USD 13,349.50/MT | July 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | India | CIF | USD 13,456.31/MT | July 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | USA | CIF | USD 13,536.99/MT | July 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | Germany | CIF | USD 13,483.13/MT | July 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | Australia | CIF | USD 13,447.96/MT | July 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Copper Scrap prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
In China, the average prices of Copper Scrap were ~USD 13,349.50/MT (FOB) in July and ~USD 13,803.39/MT in August, showing a ~3.4% increase. India recorded a similar rise, with average import prices climbing about 3.3% from ~USD 13,456.31/MT (CIF) in July to ~USD 13,894.17/MT in August. Scrap prices followed refined copper higher, as tight mine supply and low stocks kept copper near record levels. However, scrap rose more slowly than refined copper, so the price gap between the two widened. In August, scrap users held off buying after spending heavily during the earlier rally. Supply also tightened, as China's scrap imports fell in August and stricter invoice rules reduced the flow of scrap sold without tax documents. Low supplier stocks kept scrap prices firm even when copper dipped in mid-September. Demand stayed weak, and the operating rate of secondary copper rod makers dropped by late September.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, I\in the near term, copper scrap prices are likely to follow refined copper, though weak demand from scrap users may limit gains.
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Copper Scrap prices in the United States were ~USD 13,518.88/MT in April and ~USD 13,524.19/MT in May, showing a marginal increase. The price movement was limited because supply availability improved through stronger trade flows, but domestic demand signals remained supportive. U.S. scrap copper exports rose 64.2% year-on-year in April, mainly led by higher shipments to South Korea, India, and Thailand. Imports also increased 69% year-on-year, supported by stronger inflows from Canada and Mexico. This created better physical availability, limiting sharp price gains. However, downstream consumption kept the market firm, as May industrial production rose slightly, with business equipment, construction supplies, materials, primary metals, and motor vehicles showing positive movement. Policy changes also supported sentiment by encouraging greater use of U.S.-origin copper in downstream products. Similarly, in India, Copper Scrap prices were ~INR 1,279.47/kg in April and ~INR 1,279.91/kg in May, showing a slight increase. The rise was linked to steady import pull and firm downstream usage, especially as India remained one of the stronger destinations for U.S. scrap exports.
Copper scrap refers to recycled copper-containing materials and products that are no longer needed for their original purpose or have reached the end of their useful life. It encompasses a wide range of copper-based items, including old electrical wires, plumbing pipes, construction materials, industrial machinery components, and various consumer goods. Copper scrap is collected and processed through recycling facilities to recover the copper content, which can then be melted down and reused in various industrial applications.
Healing and cooling systems, Coins and currency, Transportation, Electrical and electronics, Construction, Transportation
LKM Recycling, OmniSource, Commercial Metals Company, SA Recycling LLC, Umicore N.V. LLC, Pacific Metal Pty Ltd, Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
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This study analyzes Copper Scrap Production via Copper Metal Processing, covering manufacturing, process flow, operating expenses, and financial considerations.
Copper Rod Manufacturing Plant Project Report thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down expenses around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall cash cost of manufacturing.
Copper Plate Manufacturing Plant Project Report thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down expenses around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall cash cost of manufacturing.
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