Chinese Scrap Metal Market Records Strong Gains on the Index– May 13, 2026

BEIJING (Scrap Monster): The Chinese scrap metal prices recorded notable gains on the ScrapMonster Price Index as of Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

• Copper: Broad-based surge

• Aluminum: Consistent upward movement

• Brass/Bronze: Widespread increase

• Stainless Steel: Edged higher

• Steel: Stable / unchanged

Copper, aluminum, stainless steel and brass/bronze scrap prices rose compared to the previous day, while steel scrap prices remained steady on the Index.

Copper Scrap Prices

Copper scrap prices saw broad-based gains on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

#1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing both surged by CNY 2,000 per MT compared to the previous day. Also, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing rose by CNY 2,000 per MT.

#1 Insulated Copper Wire with 85% recovery climbed CNY 1,000 per MT, and #2 Insulated Copper Wire (50% recovery) recorded an increase of CNY 500 per MT.

Copper Transformer scrap and Cu Yokes reported a jump of CNY 100 per MT each on the Index.

Cu/Al Radiator scrap jumped CNY 500 per MT, while Harness Wire (35% recovery) inched up CNY 100 per MT.

Heater Cores gained CNY 800 per MT, whereas Scrap Electric Motors and Sealed Units prices recorded slight increase by CNY 50 per MT each on the Index.

In summary, the Chinese copper scrap prices exploded, extending the upward momentum seen in market.

Aluminum Scrap Prices

6063 Extrusions witnessed a jump of CNY 300 per MT in prices over the previous day.

Aluminum Ingots prices also increased by CNY 300 per MT.

The prices of Aluminum Radiators and Aluminum Transformers were up by CNY 150 per MT each on the Index.

E.C Aluminum Wire prices saw a jump of CNY 300 per MT on the Index.

Old Cast and Old Sheet prices were up by CNY 300 per MT as of May 13, 2026.

UBC and Zorba 90% INF prices increased by CNY 150 per MT each from the previous day’s price.

Steel Scrap Prices

#1 HMS prices held steady as of May 13, 2026.

Cast Iron Scrap reported no change in prices.

Stainless Steel Scrap Prices

• 201 SS: Saw an increase of CNY 50 per MT

• 304 SS Solid: Up by CNY 50 per MT

• 304 SS Turning: Recorded a jump of CNY 50 per MT

• 309 SS: Edged higher by CNY 100 per MT

310 SS prices reported a jump of CNY 150 per MT as of Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

316 SS Solid prices were up by CNY 100 per MT over the previous day’s prices.

Shred SS prices saw an increase by CNY 50 per MT on the Index.

Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices

The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in China recorded a notable jump as of May 13, 2026.

• Brass Radiator: Increased by CNY 350 per MT

• Red Brass: Edged higher by CNY 500 per MT

• Yellow Brass: Up by CNY 500 per MT

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