Japan Was China's Second Largest Source of Copper Scrap Imports

【SMM Copper Cathode Rod News Flash】In April 2026, China's copper wire rod exports rose MoM, with the trade structure still dominated by processing trade with imported materials. The export market was highly concentrated in Southeast Asia and South Asia's India region, with Malaysia's exports firmly ranking first, surging 39.57% MoM. As geopolitical tensions gradually eased, demand from Saudi Arabia recovered rapidly, with exports rebounding 367.13% MoM, ranking second.

[CCL Customs Data] According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's CCL (HS code: 74102110) imports in April 2026 were 3,601.89 mt, up 20.57% YoY and down 13.38% MoM. From January to April 2026, China's cumulative CCL imports were 14,173.18 mt, up 10.83% YoY. China's CCL exports in April 2026 were 8,113.10 mt, up 4.52% YoY and up 2.67% MoM. From January to April 2026, China's cumulative CCL exports were 31,484.96 mt, up 9.21% YoY.

[Copper Foil Customs Data] According to data from the General Administration of Customs, the major countries and regions for China's copper foil imports in April 2026 were Taiwan, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with imports of 4,402.70 mt, 1,260.62 mt, and 602.54 mt, respectively. The major countries and regions for China's copper foil exports in April 2026 were Thailand, Malaysia, and Egypt, with exports of 1,900.63 mt, 988.81 mt, and 586.78 mt, respectively.