China Strong Demand for Japan Mixed Metal Scrap

Japanese nonferrous scrap exporters are in rush to ship mixed metal scrap with copper, brass and aluminium for China. A scrap shredding processor said Chinese buyers are encouraged by mixed metal stockpile of some Chinese local governments.

A shredding processor in north of Tokyo said Chinese buyers show strong appetite depending on the price. The shipper sees Chinese demand is as strong as the peak in summer 2008.

The shredding processor ships around 300-350 tonnes per month of mixed scrap mainly for secondary alloyed aluminium makers and scrap processors in Guangdong. The processor ships high grade mixed metal with 40% of copper and brass, 15% of aluminium, 40% of stainless and less than 3% of dusts. The firm’s mixed metal shipment is around 60% of usual level due to lower shredding volume processing volume. However, the firm cannot meet all of the order from China due to strong appetite since the summer.

Chinese strong demand is due to high level sales for automobile and appliances in China. Chinese major makers of alloyed aluminium and die-casting in Guangdong operate at full capacity. Japanese industry sources see Chinese strong demand is also due to Chinese local government try to build mixed metal stockpile.