Imports of copper scrap in Jan rise from Jan 2018 after Category 7 ban

SHANGHAI, Mar 6 (SMM) – China’s imports of copper scrap grew significantly year-on-year in Cu content in January even as Category Seven scrap imports were banned from the start of 2019.

According to the latest data from the Customs, China imported 180,700 mt of copper scrap in January, down 8% from January 2018. With an average Cu content of 75.83%, January’s imports of copper scrap contain about 137,000 mt of copper, soaring 39% from 98,800 mt in January 2018.

The ban on Category Seven copper scrap imports took effect on January 1. 

The increase in January allayed concerns of copper scrap supply tightness in China after the government clamped down on metal scrap imports.

China’s consumption of copper scrap has been declining despite supply constraints.

Environmental restrictions and cost pressure shut many copper rod producers who use copper scrap as feedstock and prompted most secondary copper smelters to replace copper scrap with blister copper and copper anode plates.