Copper Scrap Import Pattern Changed in May, with Thailand Taking the Top Spot [SMM Analysis]

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       According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, China's imports of copper scrap and shredded copper scrap showed significant changes in May 2025. Monthly imports reached 185,200 mt, down 9.55% MoM and 6.63% YoY. From the cumulative data for January-May, imports totaled 962,200 mt, down 1.98% YoY (HS code 74040000). Overall, China's imports of copper scrap and shredded copper scrap declined both on a monthly and cumulative basis YoY.       

       There was a major adjustment in the structure of import sources. Thailand surpassed traditional major importing countries to become China's largest importer of copper scrap and shredded copper scrap, accounting for 11.46% of imports. The US, once a major importer, fell to third place, with a share of only 7.57%. Specifically, Thailand's exports of copper scrap and shredded copper scrap to China in May were 21,200 mt, down 15.12% MoM but up significantly by 74.51% YoY, ranking first in China's total imports. In contrast, the US's exports to China plummeted to 14,000 mt in May, down 40.59% MoM and 65.62% YoY, with a significant decline in market position. Additionally, Japan, as China's second-largest importer of copper scrap, exported 19,800 mt to China in a single month, down 39.33% MoM and 15.61% YoY, accounting for 10.71% of imports.

According to SMM, the current tight supply situation of secondary copper raw materials persists. Affected by the US tariff policy, the purchase willingness of US-origin traders is low, and US-origin supplies are gradually decreasing. SMM expects that the import volume of secondary copper raw materials in June will continue to decline, and the impact of reduced US-origin supplies will be more evident in subsequent data, with the share possibly falling below 5%. (The following presents import data by country for May 2025)