China Scrap Metal Prices Show Mixed Performance on the Index – March 3, 2026
Daily Scrap Metal Price Report | 2026-03-04 04:33:34
Copper Transformer and Cu Yokes scrap prices were down by CNY 100 per MT each on the Index.
By Anil Mathews
BEIJING (Scrap Monster): The Chinese scrap metal prices recorded significant decline on ScrapMonster Price Index as of Tuesday, March 3, 2026. In contrast, Aluminum scrap prices edged higher on a daily basis.
- Copper: Notable downward momentum
- Aluminum: Across-the-board jump
- Brass/Bronze: Downtrend
- Stainless Steel: Sharp weekly decline
- Steel: Held steady
Copper Scrap Prices
The #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing witnessed a decline in prices of CNY 1,350 per MT each over the previous day.
The price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also edged lower by CNY 1,350 per MT.
#1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery prices were down by CNY 650 per MT.
The price of #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery recorded a decline of CNY 250 per MT over the previous day.
Copper Transformer and Cu Yokes scrap prices were down by CNY 100 per MT each on the Index.
Cu/Al Radiator and Heater Cores prices dropped by CNY 250 per MT and CNY 500 per MT respectively as of Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Harness Wire 35% Recovery prices dropped by CNY 100 per MT upon comparison with the prior day’s prices.
Scrap Electric Motors and Sealed Units prices were down by CNY 50 per MT each on the Index.
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 flat on the Index. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices edged higher by CNY 50 per MT as of March 3, 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 variation in prices from the prior day’s levels.
Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady as of March 3, 2026.
Cast Iron Scrap reported no change in prices.
Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- 201 SS: Witnessed a decline of CNY 200 per MT
- 304 SS Solid: Down by CNY 300 per MT
- 304 SS Turning: Recorded a downward movement by CNY 300 per MT
- 309 SS: Saw a dip of CNY 350 per MT
The price of 310 SS witnessed a decline of CNY 450 per MT on a daily basis.
316 SS Solid prices edged lower by CNY 350 per MT.
Also, Shred SS scrap prices were down by CNY 300 per MT as of Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in China recorded a decline as of March 3, 2026.
- Brass Radiator: Dipped by CNY 100 per MT
- Red Brass: Down by CNY 200 per MT
- Yellow Brass: Edged lower by CNY 200 per MT
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What does aluminum’s price increase suggest amid broader weakness?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the dominant trend in China’s scrap market on March 3, 2026?
A broad decline, primarily driven by copper and stainless steel weakness.
- Which copper grades recorded the biggest daily drop?
#1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire & Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire & Tubing fell by CNY 1,350/MT.
- Did any segment post gains?
Yes. Aluminum scrap grades, including 6063 extrusions and E.C. Aluminum Wire, rose by CNY 50/MT.
