The price spread between copper cathode and copper scrap widened significantly as the tax-inclusive invoice rate for copper scrap rose sharply, driving up input costs for scrap processors. Domestic supply of tax-inclusive scrap remains tight, while imported scrap costs stay elevated with no incremental relief, supporting a structurally wider spread.
Copper scrap prices fell as copper futures retreated after a short-term peak, narrowing the cathode-scrap price spread. Downstream scrap-consuming firms held off spot buying while suppliers sought to offload high-priced inventory, keeping sentiment weak and transactions subdued.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Scrap | China | FOB | USD 13,372.42/MT | June 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | India | CIF | USD 13,459.96/MT | June 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | USA | CIF | USD 13,527.37/MT | June 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | Germany | CIF | USD 659.00/MT | June 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | Australia | CIF | USD 13,438.50/MT | June 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | China | FOB | USD 13,405.00/MT | May 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | India | CIF | USD 13,472.34/MT | May 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | USA | CIF | USD 13,524.19/MT | May 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | Germany | CIF | USD 13,498.45/MT | May 2026 |
| Copper Scrap | Australia | CIF | USD 13,455.83/MT | May 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Copper Scrap prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
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.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, in the near term, copper scrap prices may stay firm if domestic manufacturing demand holds. However, weak export flows could limit sharper gains.
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India’s copper scrap market softened through March 2026 as surging imports and higher inventories forced sellers to reduce offers, even though mid-month supply lines were disrupted by Middle East tensions and vessel rerouting. The market had been supported earlier by downstream demand from cables, inverters, and consumer durables, but a pre-budget lull and cautious buying later reduced prompt bids. Demand stayed split, with wire-rod and cable manufacturers remaining the strongest buyers because clean scrap retained a cash-conversion advantage over cathode, while construction demand remained soft. High-grade insulated wire scrap stayed relatively tight and premiums for clean armature rose, but broader availability increased as sellers destocked. Power cable activity improved after tender awards, and air-conditioner output also supported consumption, yet these were not enough to offset the pressure from rising inventories. India’s broader copper demand backdrop remained supported by infrastructure and electrification, though the scrap segment in late March was dominated by inventory pressure rather than demand strength.
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
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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.
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