Uptrend in recycled non-ferrous production and imports

In the first quarter of 2025, China’s production of recycled non-ferrous metals amounted to 4.88 million tons for a year-on-year increase of 5.3%. The recycled copper total climbed 4.8% to 1.1 million tons while recycled aluminium saw an increase of 7.7% to 2.8 million tons. Production of regenerated lead and zinc was basically the same as in the corresponding period of 2024.

Imports of recycled copper raw materials totalled 572,200 tons in the first three months of 2025 for a year-on-year increase of 2.8%, with Japan maintaining its position as the largest source. Import volumes of recycled aluminium raw materials added up to 506,600 tons in January-March this year for a gain of 30% over the same period in 2024, with Thailand, Japan and the UK emerging as the main suppliers.

In the recycled non-ferrous metals industry at present, low processing fees for copper concentrates are forcing smelters to increase proportions of recycled raw material usage, leading to a tightening of supply of recycled copper raw materials. A decrease in scrap lead-acid batteries has led to a shortage in raw material supply.

In addition, the industry has seen a more pronounced differentiation between operations, with stable orders for larger, established enterprises but a significant contraction in orders for small and medium-sized businesses. Capacity utilisation rates remain low for recycled copper rods and some enterprises have turned to anode plate production.

Meanwhile, US tariffs have had an impact on imports of recycled metal raw materials.