Imports of Recycled Copper Raw Materials Continued to Grow in September, with Supply Landscape Showing Notable Diversification

According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, China’s imports of copper scrap and shredded copper scrap reached 184,100 mt in physical content in September 2025, up 2.63% MoM and 14.8% YoY. Cumulative imports for the first three quarters totaled 1.699 million mt, up 1.38% YoY (HS code 74040000).

Japan remained China’s largest supplier of copper shredded scrap, exporting 33,500 mt to China in September. Although this represented a slight decrease of 5.51% MoM, it surged 109.27% YoY, accounting for 18.19% of total imports that month. Thailand followed with 30,000 mt in physical content, representing 16.38% of the total, up 0.38% MoM and soaring 125.15% YoY. Other countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, the UK, and Canada also ranked among the top import sources, reflecting a more diversified origin structure for China’s recycled copper raw material imports. Notably, supplies from the US continued to account for a low share in the Chinese market, with September imports amounting to only 786.98 mt, or 0.43% of the total. The market share previously held by the US is gradually being filled by other regions such as Japan and Thailand, indicating ongoing profound adjustments in the global trade landscape for recycled copper raw materials.

In the first three quarters of 2025, China’s imports of recycled copper raw materials showed steady growth. Imports in September alone achieved positive growth both YoY and MoM, reflecting stable demand for recycled copper raw materials against the backdrop of the country’s green and low-carbon transition. From a supply structure perspective, the trend toward import source diversification continues to strengthen, with Asian countries such as Japan and Thailand becoming major suppliers, while the share of US supplies continues to shrink. Global trade flows of recycled copper are undergoing structural reshaping. Looking ahead, driven by the "dual carbon" goals and supported by domestic policies for the recycled metals industry, China’s demand for high-grade recycled copper is expected to maintain steady growth. As international supply chains further adjust, the proportion of raw materials from regions such as Southeast Asia and Europe is likely to continue increasing. Domestic enterprises should actively diversify supply channels, enhance resource security capabilities, and promote green and sustainable development of the industry. (Details of September imports of recycled copper raw materials are provided below.)