Chinese Scrap Metal Prices Post Sharp Declines on the Index – January 13, 2026
Daily Scrap Metal Price Report | 2026-01-14 06:55:30
Aluminum Radiator and Aluminum Transformer prices each slipped by CNY 100 per metric ton on the Index.
By Anil Mathews
BEIJING (Scrap Monster): The Chinese scrap metal prices recorded notable decline on ScrapMonster Price Index as of Tuesday, January 13, 2025.
- Copper: Significant downward momentum
- Aluminum: Across-the-board decline
- Brass/Bronze: Downtrend
- Stainless Steel: Weak trend
- Steel: Stable prices
Copper Scrap Prices
The #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing witnessed a decline in prices of CNY 1,300 per MT each over the previous day.
The price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also edged lower by CNY 1,300 per MT.
#1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery prices were down by CNY 600 per MT.
The price of #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery recorded a decline of CNY 200 per MT over the previous day.
Copper Transformer and Cu Yokes scrap prices were down by CNY 50 per MT each on the Index.
Cu/Al Radiator and Heater Cores prices dropped by CNY 200 per MT and CNY 500 per MT respectively as of Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Harness Wire 35% Recovery prices dropped by CNY 50 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 drop of CNY 250 per metric ton. Aluminum ingot prices also moved lower by CNY 250 per metric ton compared with the previous session.
Further weakness was observed in downstream and scrap segments. Aluminum Radiator and Aluminum Transformer prices each slipped by CNY 100 per metric ton on the Index. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices declined more sharply, falling by CNY 250 per metric ton as of January 13, 2026.
In the scrap market, both Old Cast aluminum and Old Sheet aluminum prices decreased by CNY 250 per metric ton as of the index assessment date. Meanwhile, Used Beverage Cans (UBC) and Zorba 90% INF grades registered more modest declines, each shedding CNY 100 per metric ton from the prior day’s levels.
Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady as of January 13, 2026.
Cast Iron Scrap reported no change in prices.
Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- 201 SS: Held steady
- 304 SS Solid: Down by CNY 50 per MT
- 304 SS Turning: Recorded a downward movement by CNY 50 per MT
- 309 SS: Saw a dip of CNY 100 per MT
The price of 310 SS witnessed a decline of CNY 150 per MT on a daily basis.
Also, 316 SS Solid prices edged lower by CNY 100 per MT.
Also, Shred SS scrap prices were down by CNY 50 per MT as of Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in China recorded a decline as of January 13, 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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Frequently Asked Questions
- How did Chinese scrap metal prices perform on January 13, 2026?
Prices declined across most scrap categories, with pronounced weakness in copper, aluminum, and brass/bronze, while steel remained stable.
- Which scrap category saw the steepest declines?
Copper scrap experienced the most significant drops, with key grades falling by as much as CNY 1,300 per metric ton.
- How did aluminum scrap prices move?
Aluminum scrap prices declined across the board, including extrusions, ingots, radiators, and scrap grades such as Old Cast and Old Sheet.
