Chinese Scrap Metal Prices Mixed as Aluminum, Stainless Steel Gain on the Index – July 16, 2026

Daily Scrap Metal Price Report | 2026-07-17 09:48:56 | By Anil Mathews

Aluminum Radiator and Aluminum Transformer prices were each flat on the Index. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices jumped higher by CNY 50 per metric ton as of July 16, 2026.

Summary

Copper scrap prices softened, with major bare bright and wire grades declining by CNY 50 per metric ton, while most other copper scrap categories remained unchanged.
Aluminum and stainless steel scrap prices strengthened, led by gains in 6063 Extrusions, E.C. Aluminum Wire, aluminum ingots, and higher stainless steel grades including 309 SS, 310 SS, and 316 SS Solid.
Steel and brass/bronze scrap prices remained stable, with benchmark ferrous grades and all major brass scrap categories recording no price changes during the trading session.

BEIJING (Scrap Monster): The Chinese scrap metal prices reported mixed movements on the ScrapMonster Price Index as of Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Copper: Slight downward momentum
Aluminum: Across-the-board surge
Brass/Bronze: No variation in prices
Stainless Steel: Edged higher
Steel: Held steady

Copper Scrap Prices

The #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing witnessed a decline in prices of CNY 50 per MT each over the previous day.

The price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also edged lower by CNY 50 per MT.

#1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery, #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery, Copper Transformer, and Cu Yokes scrap prices were unchanged on the Index.

Cu/Al Radiator, Heater Cores, Harness Wire 35% Recovery, Scrap Electric Motors, and Sealed Units held steady upon comparison with the prior day’s prices as of Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Aluminum Scrap Prices

6063 Aluminum Extrusions recorded a day-on-day price jump of CNY 50 per metric ton. Aluminum ingot prices also moved higher by CNY 50 per metric ton compared with the previous session.

Aluminum Radiator and Aluminum Transformer prices were each flat on the Index. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices jumped higher by CNY 50 per metric ton as of July 16, 2026.

In the scrap market, both Old Cast aluminum and Old Sheet aluminum prices increased by CNY 50 per metric ton as of the index assessment date. Meanwhile, Used Beverage Cans (UBC) and Zorba 90% INF grades registered no change in prices from the prior day’s levels.

Steel Scrap Prices

#1 HMS prices held steady as of July 16, 2026.

Cast Iron Scrap reported no change in prices.

Stainless Steel Scrap Prices

201 SS: Witnessed no variation
304 SS Solid: Flat trend
304 SS Turning: Recorded no movement
309 SS: Edged higher by CNY 50 per MT over the previous day

The price of 310 SS increased by CNY 100 per MT on a daily basis.

Also, 316 SS Solid prices were up by CNY 50 per MT on the Index.

Meanwhile, Shred SS scrap prices were flat as of Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices

The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in China recorded no variation as of July 16, 2026.

Brass Radiator: Held steady
Red Brass: Flat trend
Yellow Brass: Reported no change in prices