Chinese Scrap Metal Prices Show Mixed Trends on the Index– August 20, 2026
Daily Scrap Metal Price Report | 2026-08-21 11:12:27
The #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing witnessed a jump in prices of CNY 300 per MT over the previous day.
By Anil Mathews
BEIJING (Scrap Monster): The Chinese scrap metal prices recorded mixed performance on the ScrapMonster Price Index as of Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Copper: Slight increase across select grades
Aluminum: Broad-based decline
Brass/Bronze: Witnessed a jump
Stainless Steel: Edged higher
Steel: Stable prices
Copper Scrap Prices
The #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing witnessed a jump in prices of CNY 300 per MT over the previous day.
#1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery prices were up by CNY 150 per MT.
The price of #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery recorded a jump of CNY 50 per MT over the previous day.
Copper Transformer and Cu Yokes prices witnessed no change on the Index.
Cu/Al Radiator scrap and Heater Cores prices were up by CNY 50 per MT and CNY 100 per MT respectively on the Index.
Harness Wire 35% Recovery, Scrap Electric Motors and Sealed Units prices were flat on the Index.
Aluminum Scrap Prices
6063 Aluminum Extrusions and Aluminum ingot prices registered a day-on-day price decline of CNY 100 per metric ton each.
Aluminum Radiator and Aluminum Transformer prices were down by CNY 50 per MT each on the Index. Meanwhile, E.C. Aluminum Wire recorded a sharper dip, falling by CNY 100 per metric ton compared with the day before.
Within the scrap segment, prices for Old Cast aluminum and Old Sheet aluminum also moved lower by CNY 100 per metric ton on the index assessment date. In the meantime, Used Beverage Cans (UBC) and Zorba 90% INF grades declined by CNY 50 per MT from the previous day’s levels.
Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady on the Index.
Cast Iron Scrap reported no change in prices.
Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
201 SS, 304 SS Solid, 304 SS Turning, Shred SS: Recorded no variation on the Index
309 SS, 316 SS Solid: Up by CNY 50 per MT
310 SS: Saw an increase of CNY 100 per MT
Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in China recorded increase on the Index.
Brass Radiator: Saw no variation
Red Brass and Yellow Brass: Up by CNY 50 per MT each
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Which Chinese scrap metal category showed the strongest performance on August 20, 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the overall trend in Chinese scrap metal prices on August 20, 2026?
Chinese scrap metal prices recorded a mixed trend on the ScrapMonster Price Index. Copper, stainless steel and brass/bronze prices generally moved higher, while aluminum prices declined across several grades. Steel scrap prices remained stable.
- Which copper scrap grades recorded the biggest increase?
The #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded the largest increases, each rising by CNY 300 per metric ton from the previous day's levels. Other copper grades, including insulated copper wire, also registered gains.
- Why did Chinese aluminum scrap prices decline?
The index showed a broad-based decline across aluminum grades, with both primary aluminum-related products and scrap grades moving lower. 6063 Aluminum Extrusions, Aluminum Ingot, E.C. Aluminum Wire, Old Cast Aluminum and Old Sheet Aluminum each declined by CNY 100 per MT, while several other grades recorded smaller decreases.
