Figures reflect growing enthusiasm for recycling

The yield of major types of recycled non-ferrous metals has steadily increased in China. From January to June 2024, the total output amounted to 9.6 million tons for a year-on-year increase of 8.8%. This figure includes the following production totals: recycled copper 2.25 million tons (+10.3% year on year); recycled aluminium 5.2 million tons (+11.8%); recycled lead 1.5 million tons (+1.4%); and regenerated zinc 650,000 tons (unchanged).

Import and trade volumes of recycled copper and aluminium raw materials both posted year-on-year increases. From January to June 2024, China imported 1.151 million tons of recycled copper and recycled brass raw materials (+18.33% year on year) while import trade amounted to US$ 8.965 billion (+25.02%). Imports of recycled casting aluminium alloy raw materials extended to 948,700 tons (+15.63%) while import trade totalled US$ 1.922 billion (+17.67%).

The importance of local governments in promoting the non-ferrous metals recycling industry is increasing day by day. Emerging enterprise groups are demonstrating a high level of enthusiasm for the industry whereas old or small-scale enterprises are generally struggling; when faced with industry changes and market adjustments, worries surround their ability to survive.

The number of new projects has shown varying degrees of decline. According to incomplete statistics for January to June 2024, a total of 7.14 million tons of recycled non-ferrous metals capacity was approved and under construction, a decrease of 33% when compared to the same period last year. Among them, recycled lead and recycled copper projects decreased by, respectively, 79% and 72% year on year.

The total amount of renewable resource logistics increased significantly, with year-on-year growth of 11.1% recorded in the first half of 2024.