Indian Copper Scrap Prices Firm Amid Tight Supply and Import Costs

Copper scrap prices in India have remained firm due to tight domestic supply and rising import costs. The market has been supported by steady demand from manufacturers of wire rod, cable, brass, and alloys.

The availability of premium-grade scrap remains limited, with millberry and candy birch cliff scrap being particularly hard to come by. Copper motor prices are not viable for India as most of the material is absorbed by Pakistani buyers at around $1760-1780/t.

Imported copper scrap has also faced supply constraints due to elevated offer levels and recent policy developments in key exporting regions, such as the UAE's temporary restrictions on selected scrap exports. Buyers are competing for limited cargoes, with some importers willing to pay higher premiums to secure prompt shipments of cleaner and higher-grade scrap.

Market sentiment remains cautiously bullish, with demand from various sectors supporting copper consumption. Unless global scrap collection improves significantly or export availability increases, Indian copper scrap prices may remain firm through September.