Chinese Scrap Metal Prices Mixed; Stainless Steel Gains on the Index– January 26, 2026
Daily Scrap Metal Price Report | 2026-01-27 06:57:32
The price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also edged lower by CNY 500 per MT.
By Anil Mathews
BEIJING (Scrap Monster): The Chinese scrap metal prices recorded mixed trend on ScrapMonster Price Index as of Monday, January 26, 2026.
- Copper: Significant downward momentum
- Aluminum: Across-the-board decline
- Brass/Bronze: Downtrend
- Stainless Steel: Edged higher
- Steel: Stable prices
Copper Scrap Prices
The #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing witnessed a decline in prices of CNY 500 per MT each over the previous day.
The price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also edged lower by CNY 500 per MT.
#1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery prices were down by CNY 250 per MT.
The price of #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery recorded a decline of CNY 100 per MT over the previous day.
Copper Transformer and Cu Yokes scrap prices were flat on the Index.
Cu/Al Radiator and Heater Cores prices dropped by CNY 100 per MT and CNY 200 per MT respectively as of Monday, January 26, 2026.
Harness Wire 35% Recovery prices held steady upon comparison with the prior day’s prices.
Scrap Electric Motors and Sealed Units prices reported no change on the Index.
Aluminum Scrap Prices
6063 Aluminum Extrusions recorded a day-on-day price drop of CNY 100 per metric ton. Aluminum ingot prices also moved lower by CNY 100 per metric ton compared with the previous session.
Aluminum Radiator and Aluminum Transformer prices each slipped by CNY 50 per metric ton on the Index. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices declined more sharply, falling by CNY 100 per metric ton as of January 26, 2026.
In the scrap market, both Old Cast aluminum and Old Sheet aluminum prices decreased by CNY 100 per metric ton. Meanwhile, Used Beverage Cans (UBC) and Zorba 90% INF grades registered more modest declines, each shedding CNY 50 per metric ton from the prior day’s levels.
Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady as of January 26, 2026.
Cast Iron Scrap reported no change in prices.
Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- 201 SS: Witnessed a jump of CNY 100 per MT
- 304 SS Solid: Up by CNY 200 per MT
- 304 SS Turning: Recorded an upward movement by CNY 200 per MT
- 309 SS: Saw an increase of CNY 300 per MT
The price of 310 SS witnessed a rise of CNY 400 per MT on a daily basis.
Also, 316 SS Solid prices edged higher by CNY 300 per MT.
Also, Shred SS scrap prices were up by CNY 200 per MT as of Monday, January 26, 2026.
Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in China recorded a decline as of January 26, 2026.
- Brass Radiator: Dipped by CNY 50 per MT
- Red Brass: Down by CNY 100 per MT
- Yellow Brass: Edged lower by CNY 100 per MT
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Which scrap metals fell in price on January 26, 2026, in China?
Copper, aluminum, and brass/bronze scrap experienced price declines, ranging from CNY 50 to CNY 500 per metric ton depending on the grade.
- How did stainless steel scrap perform?
Stainless steel scrap showed upward momentum, with prices rising CNY 100–400 per metric ton for grades like 304, 309, 310, and 316.
- What was the trend for steel scrap?
Steel scrap, including #1 HMS and cast iron, held steady with no significant price changes.
