Chinese Scrap Metals Report Sharp Drop in Prices on the Index – January 16, 2026

BEIJING (Scrap Monster): The Chinese scrap metal prices recorded notable decline on ScrapMonster Price Index  as of Friday, January 16, 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 1,650 per MT each over the previous day.

The price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also edged lower by CNY 1,650 per MT.

#1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery prices were down by CNY 800 per MT.

The price of #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery recorded a decline of CNY 400 per MT over the previous day.

Copper Transformer and Cu Yokes scrap prices were down by CNY 100 per MT each on the Index.

Cu/Al Radiator and Heater Cores prices dropped by CNY 400 per MT and CNY 700 per MT respectively as of Friday, January 16, 2026.

Harness Wire 35% Recovery prices dropped by CNY 100 per MT upon comparison with the prior day’s prices.

Scrap Electric Motors and Sealed Units prices were down by CNY 100 per MT each on the Index.

Aluminum Scrap Prices

6063 Aluminum Extrusions recorded a day-on-day price drop of CNY 300 per metric ton. Aluminum ingot prices also moved lower by CNY 300 per metric ton compared with the previous session.

Aluminum Radiator and Aluminum Transformer prices each slipped by CNY 150 per metric ton on the Index. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices declined more sharply, falling by CNY 300 per metric ton as of January 16, 2026.

In the scrap market, both Old Cast aluminum and Old Sheet aluminum prices decreased by CNY 300 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 150 per metric ton from the prior day’s levels.

Steel Scrap Prices

#1 HMS prices held steady as of January 16, 2026.

Cast Iron Scrap reported no change in prices.

Stainless Steel Scrap Prices

• 201 SS: Witnessed a decline of CNY 50 per MT
• 304 SS Solid: Down by CNY 100 per MT
• 304 SS Turning: Recorded a downward movement by CNY 100 per MT
• 309 SS: Saw a dip of CNY 200 per MT

The price of 310 SS witnessed a decline of CNY 300 per MT on a daily basis.

Also, 316 SS Solid prices edged lower by CNY 200 per MT.

Also, Shred SS scrap prices were down by CNY 50 per MT as of Friday, January 16, 2026.

Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices

The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in China recorded a decline as of January 16, 2026.

• Brass Radiator: Dipped by CNY 300 per MT
• Red Brass: Down by CNY 400 per MT
• Yellow Brass: Edged lower by CNY 400 per MT

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