Chinese Scrap Metal Prices Post Mixed Trends on the Index– September 30, 2026

BEIJING (Scrap Monster): Chinese scrap metal prices reported a mixed trend on the ScrapMonster Price Index on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, as gains in copper and brass/bronze grades were offset by weaker aluminum and stainless steel pricing, while steel scrap held steady.

Market Snapshot

• Copper: Mostly higher, with key grades gaining by as much as CNY 300 per MT.

• Aluminum: Broadly lower, with several benchmark grades down CNY 150 per MT.

• Brass/Bronze: Modest gains of up to CNY 50 per MT.

• Stainless Steel: Edged lower across major grades, with declines ranging from CNY 50 to CNY 100 per MT.

• Steel: Unchanged from the previous day.

Copper Scrap Prices Post Broad-Based Gains

Copper scrap prices moved higher across several key grades. #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing each advanced by CNY 300 per MT from the previous day.

#1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery gained CNY 150 per MT, while #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery edged up CNY 50 per MT. Cu/Al Radiator prices also rose by CNY 50 per MT, and Heater Cores increased by CNY 100 per MT.

Copper Transformer scrap, Cu Yokes, Harness Wire 35% Recovery, Scrap Electric Motors, and Sealed Units held steady on the Index.

Aluminum Scrap Prices Ease Lower

Aluminum scrap prices trended weaker across multiple grades. 6063 Extrusions, Aluminum Ingots, E.C Aluminum Wire, Old Cast, and Old Sheet each declined by CNY 150 per MT.

Meanwhile, Aluminum Radiators, Aluminum Transformers, UBC, and Zorba 90% INF recorded dips of CNY 50 per MT from the prior day, indicating broad weakness within the non-ferrous segment.

Steel Scrap Prices Hold Steady

Steel scrap prices remained unchanged on the day. #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap both traded flat, signaling a stable near-term pricing environment in the ferrous scrap segment.

Stainless Steel Scrap Records Losses

Stainless steel scrap prices inched lower across select listed grades.

201 SS prices held steady.

304 SS Solid, 304 SS Turning, 309 SS, 316 SS Solid, and Shred SS recorded a decline of CNY 50 per MT each on the Index.

In the meantime, 310 SS reported the biggest decline, with prices falling by CNY 100 per MT.

Brass and Bronze Scrap Prices Edge Higher

Brass and bronze scrap prices posted modest gains. Brass Radiator prices reported no variation on the Index. Red Brass and Yellow Brass each increased by CNY 50 per MT from the previous day.

In short, gains in copper and brass/bronze grades helped offset weakness in stainless steel and aluminum, leaving the broader Chinese scrap market mixed.

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