Chinese Scrap Metal Prices Diverge Across Major Grades on the Index- August 14, 2026
Daily Scrap Metal Price Report | 2026-08-17 10:42:08
Copper scrap edged slightly higher, aluminum scrap posted a broad-based decline across all categories, stainless steel inched lower, and brass/bronze and steel scrap remained stable.
By Anil Mathews
Chinese Scrap Metal Prices Mixed on August 14, 2026: Copper Edges Up, Aluminum Declines Broadly
BEIJING (Scrap Monster): Chinese scrap metal prices posted a mixed trend on the ScrapMonster Price Index as of Friday, August 14, 2026. Copper scrap edged slightly higher, aluminum scrap posted a broad-based decline across all categories, stainless steel inched lower, and brass/bronze and steel scrap remained stable.
What Readers Should Know
- Copper scrap increased across select grades on the Index.
- Aluminum scrap was the standout, posting declines in every category tracked.
- Brass/bronze scrap held steady with no price changes.
- Stainless steel scrap declined on three grades while the rest held flat.
- Steel scrap (#1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap) reported no price change.
Why Prices Moved
The mixed trend reflected divergent supply-demand dynamics across non-ferrous and ferrous segments. Copper grades saw selective buying interest, while aluminum faced broad-based selling pressure. Stainless steel registered modest weakness, and brass/bronze and steel scrap markets remained range-bound.
Copper Scrap Prices
Copper scrap prices on the ScrapMonster Price Index edged higher across multiple categories on the Index.
- #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing: up by CNY 100 per MT each
- #1 Insulated Copper Wire (85% Recovery): saw a rise of CNY 50 per MT
- #2 Insulated Copper Wire (50% Recovery), Cu/Al Radiators, Copper Transformer Scrap, Cu Yokes, Harness Wire (35% Recovery), Heater Cores, Scrap Electric Motors and Sealed Units: witnessed no variation in prices on the Index
Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices on the ScrapMonster Price Index moved lower across all grades.
- 6063 Aluminum Extrusions and Aluminum Ingots: fell by CNY 200 per metric ton each
- Aluminum Radiators and Aluminum Transformers: saw a dip of CNY 100 per MT each on the Index
- E.C. Aluminum Wire, Old Cast, Old Sheet: recorded a drop of CNY 200 per metric ton
- Used Beverage Cans (UBC) and Zorba 90% INF: posted a decline of CNY 100 per MT each
Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady on the Index.
Cast Iron Scrap reported no change in prices.
Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
Stainless steel scrap prices on the ScrapMonster Price Index registered a slight decline on the Index.
- 201 SS, 304 SS Solid, 304 SS Turning, Shredded Stainless Steel: witnessed no change in prices
- 309 SS, 316 SS Solid: recorded a decline of CNY 50 per MT each
- 310 SS: dropped by CNY 100 per MT on the Index
Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in China recorded no change over the day.
- Brass Radiator, Red Brass, Yellow Brass: Flat trend
People Also Ask
What happened to Chinese scrap metal prices on August 14, 2026?
Prices were mixed: copper edged higher, aluminum declined broadly, stainless steel slipped slightly, and brass/bronze and steel scrap held steady.
Which copper grades increased on the ScrapMonster Price Index?
#1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing each rose by CNY 100 per MT. #1 Insulated Copper Wire (85% Recovery) gained CNY 50 per MT.
How did aluminum scrap prices move in China?
All tracked aluminum grades declined, with 6063 Extrusions and Ingots falling CNY 200/MT each, and UBC and Zorba 90% INF down CNY 100/MT each.
Did stainless steel scrap prices change?
Yes, 309 SS and 316 SS Solid each fell CNY 50/MT, and 310 SS dropped CNY 100/MT. Other grades held flat.
Were steel and brass/bronze scrap prices stable?
Yes. #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap showed no change, and Brass Radiator, Red Brass, and Yellow Brass all held flat.
POLL
Which Chinese scrap metal category showed the strongest price movement on August 14, 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the overall trend in Chinese scrap metal prices on August 14, 2026?
Chinese scrap metal prices showed a mixed trend. Copper scrap prices increased across select grades, aluminum scrap declined across all tracked categories, and stainless steel prices moved slightly lower. Brass/bronze and steel scrap prices remained stable.
- Which Chinese scrap metal category recorded the broadest decline?
Aluminum scrap recorded the broadest decline, with every category tracked on the ScrapMonster Price Index posting a decrease.
- How did copper scrap prices perform in China?
Copper scrap prices edged higher. #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing each increased by CNY 100 per metric ton, while #1 Insulated Copper Wire (85% Recovery) rose by CNY 50/MT.
