Chinese Scrap Metal Prices Record Mixed Trend on the Index– July 20, 2026

BEIJING (Scrap Monster): Chinese scrap metal prices reported a mixed trend on the ScrapMonster Price Index on Monday, July 20, 2026, as gains in copper, stainless steel, and brass/bronze grades were offset by weaker aluminum pricing, while steel scrap held steady.

Market Snapshot

• Copper: Mostly higher, with key grades gaining by as much as CNY 500 per MT.

• Aluminum: Broadly lower, with several benchmark grades down CNY 150 per MT.

• Brass/Bronze: Modest gains of up to CNY 100 per MT.

• Stainless Steel: Higher across major grades, with increases ranging from CNY 50 to CNY 100 per MT.

• Steel: Unchanged from the previous day.

Copper Scrap Prices Post Broad-Based Gains

Copper scrap prices moved higher across several key grades. #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing each advanced by CNY 500 per MT from the previous day.

#1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery gained CNY 250 per MT, while #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery edged up CNY 100 per MT. Cu/Al Radiator prices also rose by CNY 100 per MT, and Heater Cores increased by CNY 150 per MT.

Copper Transformer scrap, Cu Yokes, and Harness Wire 35% Recovery increased by CNY 50 per MT on the Index.

Meanwhile, Scrap Electric Motors and Sealed Units held steady over the previous day’s price.

Aluminum Scrap Prices Ease Lower

Aluminum scrap prices trended weaker across multiple grades. 6063 Extrusions, Aluminum Ingots, E.C Aluminum Wire, Old Cast, and Old Sheet each declined by CNY 150 per MT.

Meanwhile, Aluminum Radiators, Aluminum Transformers, UBC, and Zorba 90% INF recorded dips of CNY 50 per MT from the prior day, indicating broad weakness within the non-ferrous segment.

Steel Scrap Prices Hold Steady

Steel scrap prices remained unchanged on the day. #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap both traded flat, signaling a stable near-term pricing environment in the ferrous scrap segment.

Stainless Steel Scrap Records Gains

Stainless steel scrap prices moved higher across select listed grades.

201 SS, 304 SS Solid, and 304 SS Turning recorded no variation on the Index.

In the meantime, 309 SS increased by CNY 50 per MT, 310 SS edged higher by CNY 100 per MT, and 316 SS Solid was up by CNY 50 per MT.

Shred SS remained flat on the Index.

Brass and Bronze Scrap Prices Edge Higher

Brass and bronze scrap prices posted modest gains. Brass Radiator prices increased by CNY 50 per MT on the Index. Red Brass and Yellow Brass each increased by CNY 100 per MT from the previous day.

In short, gains in copper, stainless steel, and brass/bronze grades helped offset weakness in aluminum, leaving the broader Chinese scrap market mixed.

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