According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's copper plate/sheet and strip exports in March 2026 reached 11,612.2 mt, up 38.32% MoM and up 10.14% YoY. From January to March, China's cumulative copper plate/sheet and strip exports totaled 33,241.21 mt, up 16.95% YoY cumulatively.
In March 2026, China's copper plate/sheet and strip exports maintained robust growth, with a diversified export market structure covering 85 countries and regions. In terms of export market distribution, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan (China), and India remained the top four markets, with combined exports accounting for approximately 42%. Among them, exports to Vietnam surged 40.8% YoY, while South Korea, Taiwan (China), and India also achieved varying degrees of positive growth. However, exports to Indonesia and Japan pulled back by 33% and 6%, respectively. Overall, exports to markets such as Vietnam, Taiwan (China), and Germany maintained relatively fast growth, underpinning the YoY increase in March exports. The industry's export landscape continued its diversification trend, with export momentum sustaining a positive trajectory.
The export trade mode structure of China's copper plate/sheet and strip continued the characteristics of the previous period. Customs data showed that processing trade with imported materials remained the core export mode in March, with exports reaching 7,558 mt, accounting for 65.1% and firmly maintaining its dominant position; Processing and Assembling exports were 2,370 mt, with the share rising to 20.4%; Ordinary Trade exports were 958 mt, with the share declining to 8.2%; exports via other trade modes were 726 mt, accounting for 6.3%.
In terms of product structure, exports of various copper plate/sheet and strip categories showed notable divergence: copper strip, as the leading category, recorded exports of 7,997 mt in March, up 14.3% YoY, accounting for 69% of total exports and remaining the core engine boosting the industry's exports; brass strip exports, affected by market demand and supply structure, were 1,667 mt, down 16.5% YoY, accounting for 14%, with the divergence pattern of "copper up, brass down" continuing. Bronze strip exports were 942 mt, up slightly 5.3% YoY, accounting for 8%; cupronickel strip exports performed impressively, with exports of 617 mt, up significantly 39.4% YoY, accounting for 5%.
(HS code 74091110, 74091190, 74091900, 74092100, 74092900, 74093100, 74093900, 74094000, 74099000)
