Copper Scrap Export Maintains Stagnant, Tokyo

Demand for exporting copper scrap maintains stagnant around Tokyo. Scrap exporters are very cautious for material procurement since exported scrap may be rejected by Chinese customs due to radiation dose. Especially, mixed metal scrap bulkers have scarcely departed from Tokyo Bay since last week. Exporters are minimizing copper scrap procurement and some dealers are offering even a half level price.

In Kanto area, radiation dose represents higher than usual level for many days. One scrap dealer around Tokyo explained radiation dose tends to exceed China’s and other scrap importing countries’ regulations due to air background in many cases though scrap itself is not contaminated.

Scrap dealers consider copper scrap with lower radiation dose than importing countries’ regulations can be exported. However, scrap exporters are concerned on ship back situations in the case the scrap was rejected by customs.

One large scrap exporter said they are passing scrap procurement or paying less than 30 yen per kilogram for mixed metal scrap, excluding shredder dust.