Japan Exporting Cu Scrap Price Edges Upward

Market price of exporting copper scrap stays flat with potential increase around Tokyo. The export price is edging upward for some items when electrolytic copper market price is surging to the yearly highest level. Meanwhile, the demand still maintains inactive. A large exporter source said they are unwilling to approve high offer price except for extra high grade scrap.

Scrap exporters currently pay 300-320 yen per kilogram for non-shredded brass based mix scrap, with relatively less iron and stainless steel. Some pay as high as 325 yen or more for large lot offers, though the price was below 300 yen in October.

Meanwhile, exporters’ purchasing price keeps flat at 200-210 yen per kg for thin electric wire scrap with insulator (containing copper at 40-42%). They pay 220 yen at maximum for the scrap containing copper at around 45%. The demand is especially weak for the scrap containing highly iron. Exporters’ purchasing price levels off at 40-45 yen per kg.

Japanese scrap exporter points out there still remain surplus scrap inventories at This year’s trading is expected to close in late December. The market price may enter next adjustment phase from this year’s end to the beginning of next year.