Osaka Secondary Al Makers Increase Cu Pipe Scrap Purchase

Secondary aluminium alloy makers around Osaka are actively purchasing copper pipe scrap on spot as an alternative for copper radiator scrap. Market supply of copper radiator scrap is significantly decreasing due to low scrap generation though secondary aluminium alloy makers consume copper radiator scrap as copper additive. In addition, one alloy maker said, copper radiator scrap tends to be exported recently.

Market price of high grade copper pipe scrap is generally lower by 5-10 yen per kilogram than the price of new cutting copper scrap, according to a scrap dealer. However, pipe scrap was contracted at 690 yen per kg for a small lot of below 1 tonnes as of Wednesday around Osaka, almost as expensive as new cutting copper scrap. The price is said to exceed 700 yen for a 5- or 10-tonne large lot.

One local scrap dealer said they cannot offer low price for spot orders because they cannot collect high grade and middle grade copper scrap easily due to low generation and they must meet scrap delivery quotas for copper alloy fabricators and copper smelters.