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[Market Insight]: US–China Copper Scrap Trade Faces Structural Shift Amid Potential Export Restrictions
The global copper scrap market is entering a period of structural tightening as geopolitical tensions and industrial policy increasingly reshape trade flows. The relationship between the United States and China sits at the center of this transition, particularly as Washington considers restricting exports of high-quality copper scrap in 2027 while China remains heavily dependent on imported secondary copper feedstock. China’s copper scrap imports remained strong in 2024 at 441,080 MT, underscoring continued demand from secondary refiners serving the EV, renewable energy, power grid, and manufacturing sectors. However, imports have collapsed in 2025 to 143,271 MT, with current projections for 2026 falling further to just 5,305 MT. The sharp decline signals a rapid deterioration in China’s direct access to imported scrap feedstock amid rising geopolitical friction and tariffs. China’s existing 10% tariff on US-origin scrap has already reduced the competitiveness of direct shipments, although clean high-grade material has continued to move because of favorable processing economics. Trade flows indicate that copper scrap is increasingly being rerouted through Southeast Asia rather than moving directly from the United States into China. US copper scrap exports to ASEAN rose from 170,687 tonnes in 2024 to 222,993 tonnes in 2025, while Chinese imports of copper scrap from ASEAN increased from 434,176 tonnes to 529,345 tonnes over the same period. The correlation strongly suggests ASEAN is emerging as a critical intermediary hub for scrap aggregation, processing, blending, and re-export into China. This shift reflects a broader restructuring of the global scrap trade as market participants adapt to tariffs, geopolitical risk, and the growing probability of tighter controls on high-quality US scrap exports. Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are increasingly functioning as alternative routing channels within the global secondary copper supply chain. The timing is significant because the United States continues to export around 1 million tonnes of copper scrap globally in 2025 while domestic secondary refinery production remains limited at approximately 50kt. This imbalance is becoming central to the policy debate in Washington. As US demand for copper accelerates through grid modernization, electrification, AI-driven data center expansion, and defense manufacturing, policymakers are increasingly questioning whether high-grade recyclable copper should continue flowing overseas while the US remains dependent on imported refined copper. Current policy discussions focus on retaining a larger share of premium copper scrap within the domestic market beginning as early as 2027. Although proposals currently stop short of a full export ban, any retention mechanism would still materially reduce export availability for high-quality grades such as bare bright copper and No.1 copper scrap. For China, tighter access to premium scrap has important implications beyond the secondary market. High-quality scrap directly competes with refined copper cathode because it offers high recovery rates with lower processing intensity than primary smelting. If imported scrap availability continues to tighten, Chinese refiners will likely need to increase refined copper purchases to maintain output levels. This dynamic could become increasingly supportive for refined copper markets globally. The primary copper market is already facing structural constraints from weak mine supply growth, declining ore grades, permitting delays, and years of underinvestment in new projects. A simultaneous tightening in high-grade scrap availability would amplify pressure on refined copper balances precisely as demand linked to electrification continues to strengthen. As a result, the market could see narrower scrap discounts relative to cathode, firmer copper premiums in Asia, and increased volatility across both COMEX and LME pricing. The secondary copper market is therefore becoming an increasingly important variable in the broader refined copper outlook. Ultimately, the copper scrap market is no longer operating purely on economic arbitrage. Strategic resource security is becoming a defining driver of trade flows and policy decisions. The rapid growth in ASEAN intermediary trade, combined with collapsing direct Chinese scrap imports and growing US policy intervention, signals that the global copper supply chain is entering a new phase of fragmentation — one that is likely to tighten both scrap and refined copper markets into 2026 and beyond. Author: Shairaz Ahmed, Principal Market Analyst For more information or to discuss market dynamics, you can contact me on shairazahmed@smm.cn
May 26, 2026 17:23
[Market Insight]: US–China Copper Scrap Trade Faces Structural Shift Amid Potential Export Restrictions
Silver: Why the $100 mark is both within reach and dangerous
Silver: Why the $100 mark is both within reach and dangerous
May 28, 2026 Silber-Anleger erleben derzeit ein zähes Ringen: Kurzfristig fehlt dem Markt unterhalb der Marke von 75 US-Dollar jSilver investors are currently facing a tough struggle: In the short term, the market lacks the necessary momentum below the $75-per-ounce mark. Yet explosive momentum is building in the background. While Bank of America (BofA) believes another jump to the three-digit $100 mark is possible before the end of the year, the analyst team also warns against premature optimism. Such a price surge is unlikely to signal a lasting trend reversal. Rather, according to the analysts, the silver market is facing a profound fundamental shift in which the industrial base is increasingly crumbling. The balancing act between precious metal fantasy and industrial reality Bank of America’s latest precious metals analysis paints a picture of a divided market. In the short term, silver has the potential to break through the $100-per-ounce mark in the wake of a sustained gold rally. However, this speculative high is unlikely to last: Analysts are already forecasting a return of the price to a level of around $75 as early as the second quarter of 2027. Currently, the gold-silver ratio of 59.43 points reflects this indecision. It remains in the middle of its months-long consolidation range—an indicator of a market that is sensitively oscillating between short-term speculation and a fundamental revaluation. Although the silver market is heading toward its sixth consecutive year of deficit, the sustainability of this supply shortage is under massive threat in the medium term. Solar Industry in Austerity Mode: The Key Demand Pillar Wavers The strongest headwind for the silver price is emerging, of all places, in its former flagship segment—photovoltaics. Faced with historically high silver prices, solar module manufacturers are responding with drastic efficiency measures. Under sustained margin pressure, they are systematically reducing the silver content in the cells or switching to cheaper substitute metals. According to BofA analysts, silver demand from the solar sector already reached its historic peak last year. This trend is exacerbated by stagnating solar production in China and the prospect of declining new installations in the current year. Since demand growth in other industrial sectors is too weak to close the gap left by the solar industry, the silver market faces a fundamental easing of supply-demand dynamics: as early as 2026, the deficit could shrink by a massive 90%. Should industrial demand continue to weaken, even moderate sales by financial investors would be enough to push the market into a physical surplus. Investors as the Deciding Factor In this changed environment, silver is likely to be perceived and traded more as a classic precious metal rather than an industrial metal in the future. Investor demand thus becomes the decisive price factor. This carries risks, as precious metals have recently suffered from the restrictive interest rate policy and expectations of further rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Rising yields increase the opportunity costs for non-interest-bearing investments and weigh equally on both gold and silver. Nevertheless, silver remains a strategic element of the global energy transition. An abrupt slump in solar demand is not expected. Demand is further fueled by geopolitical conflicts such as the war in Iran, which continues to drive the global push for green energy and alternatives to fossil fuels. Geopolitics and Trade Barriers as Price Drivers Just how volatile the physical market can be was already evident at the start of the year, when the silver price briefly shot up to $120 per ounce amid fierce competition for physical metal. A major source of uncertainty remains the upcoming renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Since Mexico and Canada are the main suppliers to the U.S. market, significant trade risks loom. Concerns about potential tariffs have already prompted banks and market participants to massively increase their holdings within the U.S. This domestic hoarding is draining important liquidity from the global market. According to BofA, this physical withdrawal is the main reason silver has recently managed to climb back above the $80 mark—even though physically backed ETFs are continuously recording outflows and the latest CFTC data signal rather subdued interest in new net long positions in the futures markets. Conclusion: In the short term, silver retains the potential for a breakout toward the $100 mark. However, the foundation for this rise is becoming more fragile. Investors betting on silver should keep an eye on the weakening industrial data, which could set tight time limits on the rally. Source: https://goldinvest.de/en/silver-why-the-usd100-mark-is-both-within-reach-and-dangerous
23 hours ago
Solid-State Battery Monthly (May 2026): Semi-Solid EVs Launch, All-Solid Targets  $0.15/Wh
​​​​​​​Industrialization accelerated sharply in May: SAIC MG 4X launched with a semi-solid battery (53.9kWh, 510km range). Gotion Hi-Tech unveiled its “Jinshi” all-solid-state battery (400Wh/kg) aiming for 1 yuan/Wh cost by 2030. Qingtao Energy’s 5-billion-yuan, 20GWh project advanced. MIIT started solid-state battery standards.
May 30, 2026 21:06
[SMM Analysis] Tata Steel’s Two-Speed Transformation: Record India Earnings Confront Europe’s Green Steel Challenge
Tata Steel’s latest performance shows a company moving from a traditional volume-based steel business toward a more margin-focused and transformation-driven model. It is driving growth and profitability, financial performance is recovering through better margins and cost control, while the company’s key business activities are increasingly focused on downstream expansion, raw material security and low-carbon steelmaking.
May 29, 2026 16:20

Latest News

China's Thorium and Rare Earth Imports Surge, Market Shows "Hot Outside, Cold Inside" Phenomenon
May 31, 2026 22:10
Zimbabwe Strengthened Mineral Controls, Minor Metal Sector Rose Over 3%, Yunnan Germanium Industry, Jin Mo Shares Hit Daily Limit [SMM News Flash]
May 28, 2026 20:30
Rare Earth Prices Fluctuated as Upstream and Downstream Sectors Continued Stalemate [SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review]
[SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review: Rare Earth Prices Fluctuated, Upstream and Downstream Remained in Stalemate] Affected by futures price fluctuations combined with periodic restocking by some major producers, Pr-Nd oxide prices fluctuated relatively frequently. Upstream and downstream continued to remain in a stalemate, with suppliers maintaining relatively firm offers overall, while downstream metal producers maintained a strong wait-and-see sentiment. As of today, Pr-Nd oxide prices fluctuated downward to 682,000-688,000 yuan/mt.
May 28, 2026 13:47
Policy Tailwinds Combined with Rising Expectations of Improving Demand, Rare Earth Permanent Magnets Concept Strengthened, Xiangdian Co. Hit Daily Limit [SMM Express]
May 22, 2026 19:36
Rare Earth Export Prices Saw Slight Correction This Week as Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Restructuring Accelerated [SMM Rare Earth Ex-China Weekly Review]
The ex-China rare earth market this week exhibited a trend of "falling prices amid tight supply," with Pr-Nd oxide and metal prices generally marked down by approximately $5-10/kg. However, due to export controls and tightening supply, the premium on Chinese products outside China remained significant. Meanwhile, geopolitical rivalry and supply chain restructuring accelerated, with G7 finance ministers calling for urgent reduction of dependence on China and the establishment of recycling quota systems. On the capital front, Greenland Resources spent $35 million to acquire the high-grade Sarfartoq project to strengthen its magnetic material rare earth portfolio. Australia's Arafura officially finalised the final investment decision for the Nolans project. Combined with Brazil's launch of an antitrust investigation and Germany's Heraeus divesting its recycling business, these developments underscored the urgency of global decoupling and localization efforts.
May 22, 2026 17:07
Terrafame Explores Scandium Recovery in Finland, Aiming for 2029 Production
Finnish metals producer Terrafame launched a pre-feasibility study to evaluate scandium recovery from its nickel and zinc production process at Sotkamo in eastern Finland. The company already produces battery-grade nickel, cobalt, and copper, and recovers uranium as a by-product from the same polymetallic ore. Scandium production would also be extracted from these existing hydrometallurgy circuits. The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with a potential production target of 2029. If successfully developed, the project would make Terrafame the only scandium producer in Europe.
May 22, 2026 09:09
Arafura Commits to Nolan Rare Earth Project, Aiming for 4,440 mt Annual Pr-Nd Oxide Production
[SMM Rare Earth News Flash] Australia's Arafura announced a final investment decision on the Nolan rare earth project, which has an annual output of 4,440 mt of Pr-Nd oxide. Construction, spanning 30 months, will commence in September, with commissioning expected in early to mid-2029. The project will also produce 470 mt per year of mixed medium-heavy rare earth oxides. Following Australian export finance support for 500 mt/year of Pr-Nd oxide, offtake agreements covered over 80% of capacity. The project has a mine life of 38 years and can meet 4% of global Pr-Nd demand.
May 21, 2026 16:13
Spot Prices of Tantalum, Tin, and Pr-Nd Rise, Minor Metal Sector Strengthens, Orient Tantalum Industry and China Tungsten High-Tech Lead the Gains [SMM Express]
May 21, 2026 11:28
Rare Earth Prices Rise Slightly as Downstream Inquiry Activity Picks Up Amid News-Driven Factors
[SMM Rare Earth News Flash] Influenced by news-driven factors, downstream inquiry activity picked up in the afternoon. As of 18:00 this evening, Pr-Nd oxide prices closed at 690,000-695,000 yuan/mt, up slightly by 2,500 yuan/mt from the morning price. Spot Pr-Nd alloy prices showed no significant change from the morning, with mainstream quotations remaining at 850,000 yuan/mt, while a small volume of deferred payment wire transfer deals were concluded at 845,000 yuan/mt. Currently, wait-and-see sentiment on the downstream demand side of the rare earth market remained strong, with purchasing being relatively cautious and actual trading volume in the market still limited.
May 20, 2026 18:48
China's Rare Earth Magnet Exports Down 2.14% MoM, Up 95% YoY in April 2026 Amid US Trade Talks
[SMM Rare Earth News Flash] Rare earth permanent magnets: According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China exported 5,126.03 mt of rare earth permanent magnets in April 2026, down 2.14% MoM and up 95% YoY. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce stated that the U.S. economic and trade team conducted thorough communication and exchanges on export control issues, and both sides will jointly study and resolve each other's reasonable and legitimate concerns. The Chinese government implements export controls on critical minerals such as rare earths in accordance with laws and regulations, and reviews compliant, civilian-use license applications.
May 20, 2026 11:59
Gina Rinehart Invests $31M in US Rare Earths Firm, Expanding Her Mineral Empire
Australian Billionaire Invests $31 Million in US-Listed Rare Earths Americas Amid Global Supply Chain Efforts. Australia's richest person, Gina Rinehart, significantly expanded her multibillion-dollar rare earths empire by acquiring a 6% stake in US-listed critical minerals developer Rare Earths Americas. According to filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Rinehart acquired 1.2 million shares through her company Hancock Prospecting, valued at approximately $22.8 million (A$31 million).
May 20, 2026 09:10
Rare Earth Magnet Prices Drop Amid Falling Raw Material Costs
[SMM Rare Earth Permanent Magnets News Flash] Affected by the continuous decline in upstream raw material prices, rare earth permanent magnet external quotations were lowered today after a short period of stability. As of 11:30 AM today, mainstream magnetic material manufacturers' quoted prices were calculated in the range of 870,000-900,000 yuan/mt, with significant differences among different magnetic material manufacturers. Motor clients may continue to monitor subsequent prices based on their own circumstances and purchase as needed.
May 19, 2026 11:46
Aldoro Resources Reports Significant Mineralization at Kameelburg Project in Namibia
Aldoro Resources made new progress in drilling at the Kameelburg niobium-rare earth-strontium project in Namibia. Key intercept results included: 503.98 meters of mineralization from surface, with grades of 1.3% total rare earth oxides (TREO), 4.01% strontium, 0.17% niobium (Nb2O5), and 0.019% molybdenum, indicating pervasive mineralization across the eastern limb of the carbonatite body. Aldoro considered this intercept "one of the best intercepts" for the project. The deeper extent of the Kameelburg ore body remains open at depth.
May 19, 2026 11:43
Brazil Explores New Zones to Boost Rare Earth Reserves Amid Global Surge in Demand
As global interest in rare earth surges, Brazil is seeking new areas that could increase its rare earth reserves. The Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB) recently promoted the evaluation of new mineralization zones with rare earth potential in the country. The SGB, under Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy, studied the rare earth exploration potential in the states of São Paulo, Paraná, and Santa Catarina. Fieldwork was conducted in the following locations: Itupeva, Alumínio, Morungaba, Capão Bonito, Juquiá, Jacupiranga, Cajati, Itapirapuã Paulista, and Cananéia in the state of São Paulo; Cerro Azul, Castro, Carambeí, and Tijucas do Sul in the state of Paraná; and Joinville and Garuva in the state of Santa Catarina.
May 19, 2026 11:38
[Market Insight]: US–China Copper Scrap Trade Faces Structural Shift Amid Potential Export Restrictions
[Market Insight]: US–China Copper Scrap Trade Faces Structural Shift Amid Potential Export Restrictions
The global copper scrap market is entering a period of structural tightening as geopolitical tensions and industrial policy increasingly reshape trade flows. The relationship between the United States and China sits at the center of this transition, particularly as Washington considers restricting exports of high-quality copper scrap in 2027 while China remains heavily dependent on imported secondary copper feedstock. China’s copper scrap imports remained strong in 2024 at 441,080 MT, underscoring continued demand from secondary refiners serving the EV, renewable energy, power grid, and manufacturing sectors. However, imports have collapsed in 2025 to 143,271 MT, with current projections for 2026 falling further to just 5,305 MT. The sharp decline signals a rapid deterioration in China’s direct access to imported scrap feedstock amid rising geopolitical friction and tariffs. China’s existing 10% tariff on US-origin scrap has already reduced the competitiveness of direct shipments, although clean high-grade material has continued to move because of favorable processing economics. Trade flows indicate that copper scrap is increasingly being rerouted through Southeast Asia rather than moving directly from the United States into China. US copper scrap exports to ASEAN rose from 170,687 tonnes in 2024 to 222,993 tonnes in 2025, while Chinese imports of copper scrap from ASEAN increased from 434,176 tonnes to 529,345 tonnes over the same period. The correlation strongly suggests ASEAN is emerging as a critical intermediary hub for scrap aggregation, processing, blending, and re-export into China. This shift reflects a broader restructuring of the global scrap trade as market participants adapt to tariffs, geopolitical risk, and the growing probability of tighter controls on high-quality US scrap exports. Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are increasingly functioning as alternative routing channels within the global secondary copper supply chain. The timing is significant because the United States continues to export around 1 million tonnes of copper scrap globally in 2025 while domestic secondary refinery production remains limited at approximately 50kt. This imbalance is becoming central to the policy debate in Washington. As US demand for copper accelerates through grid modernization, electrification, AI-driven data center expansion, and defense manufacturing, policymakers are increasingly questioning whether high-grade recyclable copper should continue flowing overseas while the US remains dependent on imported refined copper. Current policy discussions focus on retaining a larger share of premium copper scrap within the domestic market beginning as early as 2027. Although proposals currently stop short of a full export ban, any retention mechanism would still materially reduce export availability for high-quality grades such as bare bright copper and No.1 copper scrap. For China, tighter access to premium scrap has important implications beyond the secondary market. High-quality scrap directly competes with refined copper cathode because it offers high recovery rates with lower processing intensity than primary smelting. If imported scrap availability continues to tighten, Chinese refiners will likely need to increase refined copper purchases to maintain output levels. This dynamic could become increasingly supportive for refined copper markets globally. The primary copper market is already facing structural constraints from weak mine supply growth, declining ore grades, permitting delays, and years of underinvestment in new projects. A simultaneous tightening in high-grade scrap availability would amplify pressure on refined copper balances precisely as demand linked to electrification continues to strengthen. As a result, the market could see narrower scrap discounts relative to cathode, firmer copper premiums in Asia, and increased volatility across both COMEX and LME pricing. The secondary copper market is therefore becoming an increasingly important variable in the broader refined copper outlook. Ultimately, the copper scrap market is no longer operating purely on economic arbitrage. Strategic resource security is becoming a defining driver of trade flows and policy decisions. The rapid growth in ASEAN intermediary trade, combined with collapsing direct Chinese scrap imports and growing US policy intervention, signals that the global copper supply chain is entering a new phase of fragmentation — one that is likely to tighten both scrap and refined copper markets into 2026 and beyond. Author: Shairaz Ahmed, Principal Market Analyst For more information or to discuss market dynamics, you can contact me on shairazahmed@smm.cn
May 26, 2026 17:23
Chinese firms dominate Guinea alumina expansion, potentially shifting the country from bauxite exporter into alumina hub
Chinese firms dominate Guinea alumina expansion, potentially shifting the country from bauxite exporter into alumina hub
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[SMM Analysis] Q1 2026 Global ESS Shipments: Competitive Landscape Undergoes Fundamental Shifts
[SMM Analysis] Q1 2026 Global ESS Shipments: Competitive Landscape Undergoes Fundamental Shifts
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EU Restricts High-Risk Inverters! New Hurdles for Chinese Firms in European Solar Market!?[SMM Analysis]
EU Restricts High-Risk Inverters! New Hurdles for Chinese Firms in European Solar Market!?[SMM Analysis]
May 24, 2026 17:52
Silver: Why the $100 mark is both within reach and dangerous
Silver: Why the $100 mark is both within reach and dangerous
23 hours ago
Solid-State Battery Monthly (May 2026): Semi-Solid EVs Launch, All-Solid Targets  $0.15/Wh
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[SMM Analysis] Tata Steel’s Two-Speed Transformation: Record India Earnings Confront Europe’s Green Steel Challenge
[SMM Analysis] Tata Steel’s Two-Speed Transformation: Record India Earnings Confront Europe’s Green Steel Challenge
May 29, 2026 16:20
Latest News
US and India Sign Critical Minerals Agreement for Supply Chain Security
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4 hours ago
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May 31, 2026 23:10
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Zimbabwe Strengthened Mineral Controls, Minor Metal Sector Rose Over 3%, Yunnan Germanium Industry, Jin Mo Shares Hit Daily Limit [SMM News Flash]
May 28, 2026 20:30
Rare Earth Prices Fluctuated as Upstream and Downstream Sectors Continued Stalemate [SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review]
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Policy Tailwinds Combined with Rising Expectations of Improving Demand, Rare Earth Permanent Magnets Concept Strengthened, Xiangdian Co. Hit Daily Limit [SMM Express]
May 22, 2026 19:36
Rare Earth Export Prices Saw Slight Correction This Week as Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Restructuring Accelerated [SMM Rare Earth Ex-China Weekly Review]
May 22, 2026 17:07
Terrafame Explores Scandium Recovery in Finland, Aiming for 2029 Production
May 22, 2026 09:09
Arafura Commits to Nolan Rare Earth Project, Aiming for 4,440 mt Annual Pr-Nd Oxide Production
May 21, 2026 16:13
AML Wins $2M DLA Contract for High-Grade NdFeB Magnets, Boosting US Defense Supply Chain
May 21, 2026 16:11
Rare Earth Prices Continued to Decline, Stopped Falling Near the Weekend [SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review]
May 21, 2026 15:53
Brazil's SGB Reports High Rare Earth Potential in New Exploration Areas
May 21, 2026 15:11
Spot Prices of Tantalum, Tin, and Pr-Nd Rise, Minor Metal Sector Strengthens, Orient Tantalum Industry and China Tungsten High-Tech Lead the Gains [SMM Express]
May 21, 2026 11:28
Rare Earth Prices Rise Slightly as Downstream Inquiry Activity Picks Up Amid News-Driven Factors
May 20, 2026 18:48
China's Rare Earth Magnet Exports Down 2.14% MoM, Up 95% YoY in April 2026 Amid US Trade Talks
May 20, 2026 11:59
Gina Rinehart Invests $31M in US Rare Earths Firm, Expanding Her Mineral Empire
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May 19, 2026 11:46
Aldoro Resources Reports Significant Mineralization at Kameelburg Project in Namibia
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May 19, 2026 11:38