Mix Scrap Export Price Keeps Steady in Tokyo

Market price of exporting mix scrap is steady around Tokyo thanks to the active demand from Chinese importers. Local scrap exporters are purchasing non-shredded mix scrap with plastic at 20-25 yen per kilogram, thin electric wire scrap with insulator (containing copper at 40-42%) at 60-100 yen per kg and non-shredded brass based mix scrap at 120-150 yen per kg.

Exporting demand is increasing for mix scrap containing steel, nonferrous metals or plastics since Japanese ferrous scrap export price rebounded in January. A Japanese scrap exporter said generation volume of mix scrap halved in domestic market compared with several months ago. The exporter can ship mix scrap as soon as he collects a certain quantity.

Chinese demand is also strong for copper based mix scrap. A major scrap dealer around Tokyo said Tianjin importers are actively purchasing thin electric wire scrap and the demand maintains strong after Chinese New Year holidays.

Active export is consolation for Japanese scrap dealers when domestic metal manufacturers are significantly minimizing scrap procurement.