Copper Scrap Grades: Global Demand, Grades, Pricing & Export Opportunities

Various grades of Copper scrap remains one of the most strategically important materials in the global recycling industry. As electrification accelerates worldwide — driven by renewable energy, electric vehicles, data centres, and grid expansion — the demand for secondary copper continues to rise.

Recycling copper scrap is not only economically attractive but also environmentally critical. Producing copper from recycled material uses up to 85% less energy compared to primary mining and refining. As governments and manufacturers push toward decarbonisation targets, recycled copper plays an increasingly central role in supply chains.

Why Copper Scrap Is in High Demand

Copper is essential for:

• Electrical wiring and power transmission

• Renewable energy systems (solar, wind, battery storage)

• Electric vehicle motors and charging infrastructure

• Data centre power systems

• Construction and plumbing

With global electrification trends accelerating, secondary copper has become a vital feedstock for smelters and refiners, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.

Main Grades of Copper Scrap

Understanding copper scrap grades is essential for accurate valuation and export planning.

1. Millberry (Bare Bright Copper Wire)
The highest grade of copper scrap. Clean, unalloyed, uncoated copper wire typically above 99% purity. Commands the strongest pricing due to minimal processing required.

2. Birch / Cliff (No.1 Copper)
Clean copper tubing, busbars, and solids free from paint, solder, or excessive oxidation.

3. Candy (No.2 Copper)
Includes copper with slight contamination, soldered joints, or light coatings. Slightly lower recovery value compared to No.1.

4. Insulated Copper Wire (ICW)
Copper contained within plastic insulation. Pricing depends heavily on copper recovery percentage (e.g., 40%, 55%, 70%).

Each grade impacts pricing, processing cost, and buyer demand differently.

The Pricing Dynamics

Copper scrap pricing is closely linked to the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper price. However, scrap values are also influenced by:

• Regional supply availability

• Export demand (particularly from Asia)

• Freight rates

• Currency fluctuations

• Local regulatory frameworks

Tight scrap availability combined with strong refined copper prices often leads to aggressive buying activity in export markets.

Exporting Copper Scrap: Key Considerations

For exporters, several operational factors determine competitiveness:

• Accurate grading and sorting

• Clean, contamination-free material

• Compliance with environmental and shipping regulations

• Proper container loading and weight distribution

• Moisture and impurity control

Buyers increasingly require consistent quality and documentation, especially as environmental scrutiny around scrap shipments grows.

What the Future may hold

Structural trends strongly support long-term copper scrap demand:

• Expansion of electric arc furnace and secondary refining capacity

• Electrification of transport and infrastructure

• Global push toward carbon reduction

• Urban mining and circular economy initiatives

While copper pricing remains cyclical in the short term, the long-term demand trajectory remains upward.

For scrap traders such as Tiger International Limited and recyclers, positioning within reliable supply chains and maintaining consistent material quality will be critical to capturing value in the evolving copper market.