For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Copper Scrap Prices in APAC
- In India, the Copper Scrap Price Index rose by 12.4% quarter-over-quarter, driven by import-dependent tightness and downstream procurement.
- The average Copper Scrap price for the quarter was approximately USD 1634.67/MT, reflecting landed import premia.
- Copper Scrap Spot Price showed volatile weekly swings as import parcel timing affected merchant inventories and arbitrage flows.
- Copper Scrap Price Forecast remains mildly bullish near-term, supported by steady electrification projects and constrained collectible material.
- Copper Scrap Production Cost Trend rose slightly as continuous emissions monitoring increased compliance and processing expenses.
- Copper Scrap Demand Outlook stays constructive for infrastructure and renewable sectors despite seasonal monsoon-driven industrial slowdown.
- Copper Scrap Price Index volatility was amplified by shifting import flows and widening bid-offer spreads across yards.
- Inventory overhangs intermittently pressured offers, while major recyclers ran routine rates, moderating Copper Scrap Price Index spikes.
Why did the price of Copper Scrap change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Import arrivals tightened as Gulf and US parcel diversions reduced June shipments, elevating landed costs and constraining supply.
- Downstream procurement from rural electrification and renewable projects intensified, increasing immediate melt demand versus available scrap inventories.
- Regulatory compliance and higher processing costs raised conversion expenses, supporting seller offers despite easing geopolitical risk premium.
Copper Scrap Prices in North America
- Copper Scrap Spot Price softened progressively through May and June as domestic collection volumes surged and export inquiries from Asia moderated due to weaker LME copper futures.
- Copper Scrap Production Cost Trend remained relatively stable for processors, though higher labor and fuel costs for collection and shredding operations marginally lifted breakeven levels, limiting further downside.
- Copper Scrap Price Forecast signals continued near-term weakness into Q3 2026, with potential stabilization if Chinese import quotas tighten or if U.S. infrastructure spending accelerates.
- Copper Scrap Demand Outlook is mixed; demand from domestic brass mills and rod makers remained steady, while secondary smelters reduced purchases due to adequate inventory coverage and softer finished-product orders.
- Major U.S. scrap processors operated at 78–82% throughput, with yard inventories building by approximately 12% over the quarter as summer collection peaks added to supply.
- Export container booking to Asia slowed, and the Copper Scrap Price Index reflected this demand vacuum, with domestic consumers negotiating lower premiums for prompt delivery.
Why did the price of Copper Scrap change in June 2026 in North America?
- Prices decreased in June 2026 primarily due to a sharp rise in scrap generation from demolition and decommissioning projects across the Midwest and Northeast, which flooded local yards.
- Simultaneously, LME copper three-month futures dropped by approximately 3.8% in June on demand concerns from China's property sector, directly pulling down the Copper Scrap Spot Price as scrap pricing is tightly correlated with primary copper benchmarks.
- Weaker export appetite from Asian buyers, combined with sufficient domestic mill inventories, reduced bidding competition and pressured the Copper Scrap Price Index lower during June
Copper Scrap Prices in Europe
- Copper Scrap Spot Price eased consistently throughout the quarter as improved collection rates from automotive and construction end-of-life streams increased regional availability.
- Copper Scrap Production Cost Trend saw a slight uptick due to higher electricity costs for shredding and sorting operations, but this was not sufficient to support prices amid oversupply conditions.
- Copper Scrap Price Forecast projects further downside risk in the short term, though a rebound is possible in late Q3 if European stimulus programs boost construction activity and refinery restocking.
- Copper Scrap Demand Outlook remains tepid, with European secondary copper smelters operating at reduced rates (65–70% capacity) due to softer semi-finished product demand from the automotive and wiring sectors.
- Rotterdam port inventories swelled by 15% over the quarter as shipments from the U.S. and U.K. arrived steadily, while local European collection remained robust.
- The Copper Scrap Price Index downtrend was compounded by weaker euro-zone manufacturing PMI data, which dampened sentiment and reduced forward purchasing commitments from industrial consumers.
Why did the price of Copper Scrap change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Prices decreased in June 2026 due to an oversupply of prompt scrap in the European spot market, driven by improved summer collection rates and reduced industrial consumption.
- A slowdown in German automotive production (down 2.5% month-over-month) reduced demand for copper semi-fabricated products, causing secondary smelters to reduce scrap intake and push the Copper Scrap Spot Price downward.
- Additionally, lower LME copper prices and a stronger Euro against the Dollar made European scrap less competitive for export, redirecting more material into the already well-supplied domestic market and pressuring the Copper Scrap Price Index further in June.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Copper Scrap Prices in North America
- In the United States, the Copper Scrap Price Index declined slightly over the quarter due to softer manufacturing demand and destocking.
- Copper Scrap Spot Price remained correlated with LME futures, while Copper Scrap Production Cost Trend moved upward from higher labor, energy, and compliance costs.
- Copper Scrap Price Forecast suggests gradual recovery as secondary smelters restock ahead of summer construction season.
- Copper Scrap Demand Outlook shows moderate weakness from housing slowdowns but stable support from electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects.
- Export flows to Asia faced logistical delays, tightening domestic availability and limiting downside pressure on spot pricing.
- Seasonal yard closures in Canada reduced scrap inflows, tightening supply and supporting the regional Price Index.
Why did the price of Copper Scrap change in March 2026 in North America?
- March prices decreased due to reduced industrial utilization in the Midwest and lower LME copper benchmarks, which pulled scrap valuations lower.
- Rising production costs from stricter emissions compliance and freight surcharges cushioned the downside, preventing a sharper fall in the Copper Scrap Price Index.
Copper Scrap Prices in APAC
- In India, the Copper Scrap Price Index rose by 20.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter imports.
- The average Copper Scrap price for the quarter was approximately USD 12780.33/MT according to reports.
- Copper Scrap Spot Price tracked LME; Copper Scrap Production Cost Trend rose from compliance, freight.
- Copper Scrap Price Forecast indicates moderate firming as import disruptions and mine outages tighten supply.
- Copper Scrap Demand Outlook stays firm from infrastructure and renewable projects, supporting the Price Index.
- Inventory builds at major yards cushioned supply shocks, moderating Copper Scrap Spot Price movements week-to-week.
- Export demand from Southeast Asia and China increased competition for tonnage, tightening availability, supporting bids.
- Policy shifts and safeguard duty lobbying elevated uncertainty, prompting pre-emptive buying and compressing bid-ask spreads.
Why did the price of Copper Scrap change in March 2026 in APAC?
- March prices moved due to duty removal expanding imports, widening inventories and pressuring domestic quotations.
- Escalating freight, security surcharges and continuous-emission compliance increased processing costs, supporting occasional moderate price rebounds.
- Mine outages and LME strength redirected buyers to scrap, tightening feedstock and lifting spot bids.
Copper Scrap Prices in Europe
- In Germany and Benelux, the Copper Scrap Price Index rose modestly quarter-over-quarter, supported by tighter collection flows.
- Copper Scrap Spot Price followed LME trends, but Copper Scrap Production Cost Trend increased due to power costs and EU recycling compliance rules.
- Copper Scrap Price Forecast indicates sideways movement as recessionary headwinds temper demand recovery.
- Copper Scrap Demand Outlook is stable but cautious, driven by automotive and wire rod producers maintaining consistent intake.
- Export competition from Mediterranean buyers tightened regional availability, lifting spot bids toward quarter-end.
- Inventory levels at major European yards fell below seasonal norms, reducing supply elasticity and supporting the Price Index.
Why did the price of Copper Scrap change in March 2026 in Europe?
- March prices increased due to a combination of lower scrap generation from winter maintenance shutdowns and restocking by German cable mills.
- Energy cost volatility and new EU due diligence reporting added to production cost pressures, encouraging sellers to defend higher price floors.
