By Chinese Scrap Metal Prices Rise Sharply on August 17, 2026: Copper and Brass Lead Gains
Chinese scrap metal prices recorded notable gains on the ScrapMonster Price Index as of Monday, August 17, 2026. Copper, stainless steel, and brass/bronze scrap prices jumped compared to the previous day, while aluminum and steel scrap prices remained steady on the Index.
What Readers Should Know
- Copper scrap posted broad-based gains, with #1 Bare Bright and Wire and Tubing grades up CNY 1,500/MT.
- Brass/Bronze scrap prices rose notably, led by Red Brass and Yellow Brass increases of CNY 250/MT.
- Stainless steel grades advanced modestly, with 310 SS leading at +CNY 200/MT.
- Aluminum and steel scrap prices held flat across all tracked categories.
- All figures reflect the ScrapMonster China Price Index as of Monday, August 17, 2026.
Why Copper Scrap Prices Moved Higher
Copper scrap prices saw broad-based gains on the Index.
#1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing both surged by CNY 1,500 per MT compared to the previous day. Also, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing rose by CNY 1,500 per MT.
#1 Insulated Copper Wire with 85% recovery climbed CNY 750 per MT, and #2 Insulated Copper Wire (50% recovery) recorded an increase of CNY 250 per MT.
Copper Transformer scrap and Cu Yokes prices edged higher by CNY 50 per MT over the previous day.
Cu/Al Radiator scrap jumped CNY 250 per MT, while Harness Wire (35% recovery) inched up CNY 100 per MT.
Heater Cores gained CNY 650 per MT, while Scrap Electric Motors and Sealed Units recorded an increase of CNY 50 per MT each on the Index.
Aluminum Scrap Prices Hold Flat
6063 Extrusions prices remained unchanged from the previous day.
Aluminum Ingots also held flat on the Index.
Aluminum Radiators and Aluminum Transformers recorded no price movement.
E.C. Aluminum Wire prices showed no change on the Index.
Old Cast and Old Sheet prices stayed steady over the day.
UBC and Zorba 90% INF prices likewise remained unchanged compared to the prior day.
Steel Scrap Prices Remain Stable
#1 HMS prices held steady on the Index.
Cast Iron Scrap reported no change in prices.
Stainless Steel Scrap Posts Modest Gains
- 201 SS, 304 SS Solid, 304 SS Turning: Saw an increase of CNY 100 per MT
- Shred SS: Witnessed a jump of CNY 100 per MT.
- 309 SS, 316 SS Solid: Recorded a jump of CNY 150 per MT
- 310 SS: Edged higher by CNY 200 per MT
Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices Jump
The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in China recorded a notable jump on the Index.
- Brass Radiator: Increased by CNY 150 per MT
- Red Brass, Yellow Brass: Edged higher by CNY 250 per MT
People Also Ask
Which scrap metals rose in China on August 17, 2026?
Copper, stainless steel, and brass/bronze scrap prices increased, while aluminum and steel scrap held steady.
How much did #1 Copper Bare Bright rise?
#1 Copper Bare Bright surged by CNY 1,500 per MT compared to the previous day.
Did aluminum scrap prices change on August 17?
No. All tracked aluminum grades, including 6063 Extrusions, Ingots, Radiators, Transformers, E.C. Wire, Old Cast, Old Sheet, UBC, and Zorba 90% INF, held flat.
Which stainless steel grade posted the largest gain?
310 SS edged higher by CNY 200 per MT, the largest increase among stainless grades.
How much did Red Brass and Yellow Brass prices increase?
Red Brass and Yellow Brass each edged higher by CNY 250 per MT.
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Courtesy: ScrapMonster Price Index
