Chinese Scrap Metal Prices See Strong Downtrend on the Index- December 15, 2025
Scrap Prices | 2025-12-16 10:07:12
#1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery prices were down by CNY 800 per MT.
By Anil Mathews
BEIJING (Scrap Monster): The Chinese scrap metal prices recorded notable decline on ScrapMonster Price Index as of Monday, December 15, 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 1,600 per MT and CNY 2,050 per MT respectively over the previous day.
The price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also edged lower by CNY 1,600 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 300 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 Harness Wire 35% Recovery prices dropped by CNY 300 per MT and CNY 100 per MT respectively as of Monday, December 15, 2025.
Heater Cores prices were down by CNY 600 per MT.
Also, Scrap Electric Motors and Sealed Units prices dipped by CNY 50 per MT on the Index.
Aluminum Scrap Prices
6063 Extrusions witnessed a decline of CNY 200 per MT in prices over the previous day.
Aluminum Ingots prices also dropped by CNY 200 per MT.
The prices of Aluminum Radiators and Aluminum Transformers were down by CNY 100 per MT on the Index.
E.C Aluminum Wire prices edged lower by CNY 200 per MT on the Index.
Old Cast and Old Sheet prices were also down by CNY 200 per MT as of December 15, 2025.
UBC and Zorba 90% INF prices recorded a decline of CNY 100 per MT each from the previous day’s price.
Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady as of December 15, 2025.
Cast Iron Scrap reported no change in prices.
Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- 201 SS: No change
- 304 SS Solid: Flat trend
- 304 SS Turning: Held steady
- 309 SS: Dropped by CNY 50 per MT
The price of 310 SS witnessed a dip of CNY 100 per MT on a daily basis.
Also, 316 SS Solid prices edged lower by CNY 50 per MT.
In the meantime, Shred SS scrap prices were unchanged as of Monday, December 15, 2025.
Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in China recorded a decline as of December 15, 2025.
- Brass Radiator: Dipped by CNY 150 per MT
- Red Brass: Down by CNY 250 per MT
- Yellow Brass: Edged lower by CNY 250 per MT
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Which factor is most likely driving the decline in Chinese scrap metal prices?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the overall trend in Chinese scrap metal prices on December 15, 2025?
Prices declined notably, driven by sharp losses in copper and aluminum, weakness in brass/bronze and stainless steel, and stability in steel.
- Which segment recorded the largest price drops?
Copper scrap saw the steepest declines, with significant day-on-day falls across key wire and tubing grades.
- Did any scrap metal segment remain stable?
Yes, steel scrap prices, including HMS and cast iron, remained unchanged during the day.
