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
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.
By Anil Mathews
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
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POLL
Which Chinese scrap metal segment is most likely to lead price movements in the coming trading sessions?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which scrap segment recorded the strongest gains in China on July 16?
Aluminum and stainless steel scrap posted the strongest performance, with several grades advancing by CNY 50–100 per metric ton.
- Which copper scrap grades declined?
#1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire & Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire & Tubing each fell by CNY 50 per metric ton from the previous day.
- How did ferrous and brass scrap prices perform?
Steel scrap benchmark grades, including #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap, remained unchanged, while all major brass and bronze scrap grades also traded flat.
