Chinese Scrap Metals See Mixed Price Action on the Index– March 20, 2026
Daily Scrap Metal Price Report | 2026-03-23 11:35:59
The price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also edged higher by CNY 300 per MT.
By Anil Mathews
BEIJING (Scrap Monster): The Chinese scrap metal prices recorded mixed performance on the ScrapMonster Price Index as of Friday, March 20, 2026.
- Copper: Across-the-board surge
- Aluminum: Broad decline
- Brass/Bronze: Witnessed jump
- Stainless Steel: Edged higher
- Steel: Stable prices
Copper Scrap Prices
The #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing witnessed a jump in prices of CNY 300 per MT each over the previous day.
The price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also edged higher by CNY 300 per MT.
#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 variation on the Index.
Cu/Al Radiator scrap prices were up by CNY 50 per MT.
Heater Cores prices recorded an upward movement of CNY 100 per MT as of Friday, March 20, 2026.
Harness Wire 35% Recovery prices were flat upon comparison with the prior day’s prices.
Scrap Electric Motors and Sealed Units prices held steady on the Index.
Aluminum Scrap Prices
6063 Aluminum Extrusions registered a day-on-day price decline of CNY 200 per metric ton. Aluminum ingot prices also dropped by CNY 200 per metric ton compared with the previous trading session.
Aluminum Radiator and Aluminum Transformer prices dropped by CNY 100 per MT each on the Index. Meanwhile, E.C. Aluminum Wire recorded a dip, falling by CNY 200 per metric ton as of March 20, 2026.
Within the scrap segment, prices for Old Cast aluminum and Old Sheet aluminum also moved lower by CNY 200 per metric ton on the index assessment date. In contrast, Used Beverage Cans (UBC) and Zorba 90% INF grades posted a decline of CNY 100 per MT each from the previous day’s levels.
Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady as of March 20, 2026.
Cast Iron Scrap reported no change in prices.
Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- 201 SS: Witnessed a jump of CNY 100 per MT
- 304 SS Solid: Recorded a jump of CNY 200 per MT
- 304 SS Turning: Edged higher by CNY 200 per MT
- 309 SS: Up by CNY 250 per MT
The price of 310 SS witnessed a rise of CNY 300 per MT on a daily basis.
316 SS Solid prices recorded a jump of CNY 250 per MT on the Index.
Also, Shred SS scrap prices were up by CNY 200 per MT as of Friday, March 20, 2026
Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in China recorded increase as of March 20, 2026.
- Brass Radiator: No change
- Red Brass: Up by CNY 50 per MT
- Yellow Brass: Recorded a jump of CNY 50 per MT
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Which scrap metals saw price increases in China?
Copper, stainless steel, and brass/bronze scrap categories recorded price gains, with copper rising up to CNY 300 per MT.
- Which segment experienced declines?
Aluminum scrap prices declined across most grades, including extrusions, ingots, and wire.
- How did steel scrap perform?
Steel scrap prices, including HMS and cast iron, remained largely unchanged.
