Mix Scrap Export Price Keeps Downward, Tokyo

Market price of exporting mix scrap maintains decreasing around Tokyo. The market price is declining when Chinese offer price is lowering. Local scrap exporters are purchasing non-shredded brass based mix scrap, with relatively less iron and stainless steel, at 245-255 yen per kg. The exporters pay 140-150 yen per kg for thin electric wire scrap with insulator (containing copper at 40-42%).

The market price had surged since the beginning of this year until mid April with active demand from China. However, Chinese scrap importers suddenly lowered their offer price after mid April with concerns on too high price.

Japanese scrap exporters paid as high as above 350 yen per kg for non-shredded brass based scrap and 250 yen per kg for thin electric wire scrap with insulator in April. However, their purchasing price is currently decreasing to 260-270 yen and 160-170 yen.

Meanwhile, the purchasing price keeps around 35 yen per kg for non-shredded mix scrap with plastic due to severe scrap collecting competition among dealers. However, an exporter source said they can gain little margin at the price level.