Scrap copper
PET granules and PET preforms and caps
Bars, angles, pipes, meshes, wire, profiles, stainless steel sheets, copper, carbon steel, aluminum, galvanized, aluminum ingots, copper ingot, chemical products for cleaning and disinfection hospital microbial, fruit and veggies
Cardboard boxes, wooden pallets, plastic.
Did you know that copper is the third most used metal globally? This is due to its excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and a range of industrial applications. The world needs around 28 million tons of copper annually. According to a report by IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency), as the green energy movement evolves, the demand for this non-ferrous base metal is expected to grow by 275% by 2050. The truth is, traditional mining alone will not be enough to meet this rising demand. And therefore, to fulfill this need while protecting the environment and supporting the economy, copper recycling is the need of the hour. There are multiple benefits of recycling copper, for example, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65%, preventing around 4 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
Not only does copper scrap recycling reduce harmful waste emissions, but it also saves electricity to a great extent. Recycled copper requires 85% less energy than primary production, and the best part is that it retains nearly 100% of its original properties. Moreover, since scrap copper is highly recyclable, it is a valuable asset in metal waste streams and a profitable trade commodity. From copper wire scrap buyers to industrial copper scrap importers, global procurement trends show heavy reliance on recycled copper, which presents a productive opportunity for suppliers and exporters.
The trade in copper scrap metal has seen steady and growing demand, especially in manufacturing-heavy regions (such as Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America). The renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) industries are major drivers of this demand, further elevating the value of copper scrap. Undoubtedly, recycling copper is an eco-conscious, energy-efficient, and cost-effective alternative to mining new copper. Yes, recycling copper is way cheaper than mining and refining new copper. It also helps conserve natural resources, reduce environmental impact, and divert copper waste from landfills. These benefits make scrap metal copper a favourable commodity under modern sustainability frameworks. In addition, we already know that copper scrap is known for its range of industrial applications, from solar panels, electric vehicles, to energy storage systems. Major economies like India, China, the U.S., Vietnam, and Germany rely heavily on scrap copper for the production of pipes, cables, electronics, and machinery.
Suppliers usually procure copper scrap through the following key sources:
Here are the most commonly traded types of copper scrap:
Important Note:
Many copper scrap metal buyers look for other related categories for bulk buying, creating an opportunity for suppliers and exporters to cross-sell across non-ferrous and ferrous metal scrap segments. You can diversify your offerings into the following categories:
The following copper scrap market insights are essential for exporters to identify key opportunities and make informed, data-driven decisions for their export business growth.
Global Copper Scrap Market Size:
Source: Grand View Research
Top Copper Scrap Importers Worldwide (2024):
Source: Volza
Global Scrap Copper Prices:
Here are the best methods to find your potential scrap copper buyers.
1. What is the price of 1 kg copper scrap?
The copper scrap price per kg can range from ?400 to ?900, depending on various factors such as grade, scrap type, region, etc.
2. Is copper scrap export business profitable?
Yes, the copper scrap export business is highly profitable, especially when dealing in high-grade materials (like Bare Bright or Millberry copper). Copper has a strong global demand due to its range of applications in electrical, construction, and green energy sectors.
3. Who are the major buyers of copper scrap?
India, Vietnam, and South Korea are the biggest copper scrap buyers.
4. Is copper the most valuable scrap metal?
Yes, copper is one of the most valuable non-ferrous scrap metals. Among commonly recycled metals, copper commands the highest prices per ton, followed by brass, aluminium, and stainless steel.
5. What are some common types of copper scrap?
Here are some common types of copper scrap:
6. What are the major copper scrap export destinations from India?
The major copper scrap export destinations from India include China, South Korea, the UAE, Japan, and Germany.
7. What is the HSN code for copper scrap?
The copper scrap HSN code is 740400.
8. Where can I find buyers for copper scrap export?
You can find verified buyers through the following channels:
9. Which country is best for copper scrap?
The United States is considered one of the leading exporters of copper scrap. However, identifying the 'best' country depends on several factors, such as scrap quality, export regulations, tariff structures, and logistics and shipping costs.
10. What are major uses of copper scrap?
Copper scrap is used in:
Global copper scrap markets face rising pressure in 2025 due to supply shortages and new export tariffs affecting global trade. (Full Story: DISCOVERY ALERT)
