According to the latest customs data, China's imports of copper-zinc alloy (brass) bars and rods reached 2,237.18 mt in physical content in December 2025. Although this represented a slight increase of 1% MoM, imports dropped significantly by 16.3% compared to the same period last year. For the full year of 2025, cumulative imports totaled 26,500 mt in physical content, down 7.35% YoY, indicating an overall slowdown in market demand (HS codes: 74072111, 74072119, 74072190).
In contrast to the decline in import volume, the decrease in import value was relatively mild. The import value in December was $18.6487 million, up 8.03% MoM but down 6.04% YoY. The cumulative import value for 2025 reached $202.7175 million, a decrease of 2.94% YoY.
Adjustments were observed in the major import sources: South Korea remained the largest source, with imports of 932.36 mt, accounting for 41.68% of the total, though its imports fell 5.13% YoY. Japan ranked second, with imports of 439.92 mt (19.66%), down 5.75% YoY. Notably, Indonesia performed strongly, importing 324.29 mt (14.5%) to become the third-largest source, with imports up 10.04% YoY. Malaysia showed the most rapid growth, with imports reaching 139.39 mt, surging 153.57% YoY and increasing its market share. In contrast, imports from Taiwan, China dropped sharply to 117.69 mt, down 45.35% YoY.
In summary, China's brass billet imports at the end of 2025 were characterized by "volume contraction and price stability," while the shares of major supplying countries were shifting, with import growth from Southeast Asian countries emerging as a new market highlight.
