Divergent Trends in Asian Scrap Copper Markets: China and Japan Discount Rate Rise While South Korea Holds Steady

Published: Mar 16, 2026 11:06

Save

Recent trends in Asian scrap copper markets are diverging: China’s Bare Bright copper import discount rate have climbed to 98%-98.5% due to tight tax-inclusive copper scrap supply, pushing Japanese quotes up by 1 percentage point to similar levels via strong market linkage. Conversely, South Korea remains stable at 97.5%-98% due to high domestic inventories level. According to feedback from local downstream enterprises, high domestic inventory levels mean current procurement discount rate are expected to remain unchanged through the second quarter,

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

14 mins ago

US-Iran Talks Repeatedly Disrupt Market, Copper Prices Retreat After Rapid Rise, Staying in the Doldrums[SMM Copper Morning Briefing]

SMM Morning Briefing: Overnight, LME copper opened at $13,341/mt. In early trading, it drifted higher to touch a high of $13,379/mt. Then the center of copper prices drifted lower to touch a low of $13,252.5/mt. Afterwards, it drifted higher again and eventually closed at $13,344.5/mt, up 0.17%. Trading volume reached 14,200 lots, and open interest stood at 246,000 lots, down 256 lots from the previous trading day, which reflected bears reducing positions. Overnight, the most-traded SHFE copper 2608 contract opened at 102,710 yuan/mt. In early trading, it quickly rose to a high of 102,850 yuan/mt. Then the price center drifted lower to touch a low of 102,100 yuan/mt. Afterwards, it drifted higher and finally ended at 102,340 yuan/mt, down 0.79%. Trading volume was 31,000 lots, and open interest stood at 152,000 lots, down 1,906 lots from the previous trading day, which reflected bulls reducing positions.

14 mins ago

15 hours ago

Tender Announcement for Copper-Steel Composite Cooling Stave and Other Projects

15 hours ago

Tender for Copper Cooling Staves and Other Projects

15 hours ago