Copper Scrap Prices in 2026
Copper Scrap Prices in 2026: Why Thailand Is Your Best Source for Premium Millberry Copper
As global copper prices continue to shatter records in 2026, understanding the true value of your copper scrap has never been more critical. Whether you’re a recycling facility, a copper manufacturer, or a metal trader, knowing what drives copper scrap prices—and where to get the best deal—can mean the difference between a good transaction and an exceptional one.
At Thailand Scrap (https://thailandscraps.com/), we specialize in supplying premium Copper Wire Scrap Millberry with 99.9%–99.99% purity to buyers worldwide. In this post, we’ll break down the factors affecting copper scrap prices in 2026 and explain why Thailand has become a global hub for high-quality copper scrap export.
The 2026 Copper Market: A Historic Rally
The copper market is experiencing unprecedented momentum. In September 2026, copper prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) touched a record USD 14,737 per tonne, marking an increase of nearly 50% over the past year . This surge isn’t temporary—it reflects fundamental structural changes in global supply and demand.
Several key factors are driving this rally:
Tightening Mine Supply: Global mine output has weakened due to operational challenges at three to four major mines worldwide, creating a structural gap between mining capacity and smelting capacity .
China’s Expanding Smelting Capacity: China continues to expand its copper smelting capacity, adding further pressure to an already constrained supply of copper concentrates. Treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs) have plunged to historically unprecedented levels of around negative USD 1,300 per tonne, compared to positive levels of roughly USD 300–400 per tonne previously .
Electrification and Green Energy Demand: Copper’s importance is increasing dramatically due to its use in power grids, electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and data centers linked to electrification .
Inventory Shifts: Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of copper have been shipped to the United States to capitalize on the premium between Comex and LME prices. Comex stocks have risen to a record 675,000 tonnes, while LME warehouse inventories have fallen to critically low levels .
What Determines Copper Scrap Prices?
Understanding how copper scrap is priced helps you evaluate whether you’re getting a fair deal. Here are the key factors:
Copper Purity and Grade
Not all copper scrap is created equal. The highest grade—Millberry Copper Wire Scrap—consists of clean, bright, unalloyed copper wire with 99.9%–99.99% purity. This grade commands the highest prices because it requires minimal processing before being melted and reused.
Lower grades, such as #2 Copper (with some solder or oxidation) or insulated wire (with varying recovery rates), trade at significant discounts. For instance, in North American markets, #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing consistently trade higher than #2 grades, with price differences of $0.15–$0.30 per pound being common .
Global Market Benchmarks
Copper scrap prices are typically referenced against the LME copper price. High-quality Millberry scrap with 99.9%+ purity often commands payability of 98.5% to near 100% of the LME copper price, depending on the buyer type .
End-users like copper rod and foil manufacturers may offer higher payability (99.5% or even par) to secure consistent, high-quality supply and meet sustainability requirements. Traders, who must account for financial risks, logistics, hedging, and resale margins, typically offer lower payability .
Regional Market Dynamics
Prices vary significantly by region. In Thailand, the copper scrap market is experiencing a structural uptrend, with annual average growth of 7.6% driven by clean energy, EV, and data center demand . Thailand ranks among the world’s top 10 copper scrap exporters and is a major supplier to China .
Recent data shows Thailand exported 34,379 tonnes of copper scrap to China in a single month, representing a 158.78% year-on-year increase . This growing trade relationship underscores Thailand’s emergence as a critical hub for copper scrap supply.
What Is the Cost of Copper Scrap in 2026?
While exact prices fluctuate daily, here are some reference points from the current market:
International Price Benchmarks
In North American markets, #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing have been trading in the range of $5.44–$5.89 per pound in September 2026 . These grades correspond closely to Millberry quality.
In Thailand, the highest-grade Bare Bright copper scrap reached 390–420 Thai Baht per kilogram in 2026, a record high for the local market .
For export transactions, Millberry Copper Wire Scrap at 99.9% purity has been offered at approximately USD 2,500 per metric ton for orders of 10 metric tons or more . However, given the recent surge in LME prices to over $14,000 per tonne, current spot pricing is likely significantly higher.
What This Means for Sellers
If you have high-quality Millberry copper scrap, you should expect to receive a price that reflects its premium quality. The key is finding a buyer who values purity, consistency, and reliability—and who can provide competitive pricing based on global benchmarks.
Why Thailand Scrap Is Your Best Source for Premium Copper
At Thailand Scrap (https://thailandscraps.com/), we’ve built our reputation on three core values: quality, credit, and excellence. Here’s why international buyers choose us for their copper scrap needs:
1. Premium Millberry Quality
Our Copper Wire Scrap Millberry meets the highest international standards:
- 99.9%–99.99% copper purity
- Clean, bright, bare copper wire
- Grade A quality suitable for recycling and manufacturing
- Carefully selected, inspected, and prepared for export
2. Competitive Export Pricing
We understand that price matters. By sourcing directly from Thailand’s robust recycling network and leveraging our strategic location, we offer competitive FOB Thailand pricing that reflects the true value of premium copper scrap.
3. Reliable Global Supply
We supply copper wire scrap to recycling companies, copper manufacturers, and metal traders worldwide. Our bulk export capability ensures you can secure the volumes you need, when you need them.
4. Trusted Business Practices
Thailand Scrap has earned a strong reputation for responsible trading, honest communication, and dependable business practice. We believe good business is built on trust—and we work hard to earn it with every transaction.
5. Comprehensive Customer Support
From initial inquiry to final shipment, our team provides 24/7 customer service even after the sale. We partner with top shipping companies to ensure your copper scrap arrives safely and on time.
Beyond Copper: A Full Range of Scrap Solutions
While copper is our specialty, Thailand Scrap supplies a wide range of recyclable materials to different sectors, including:
- Metal recycling companies
- Plastic recycling companies
- Paper recycling mills
- Steel mills and foundries
- Manufacturing companies
- Export and import businesses
Whether you need regular supply, bulk orders, or specific grades of scrap materials, we’re ready to discuss your requirements.
The Future of Copper Scrap Prices
Looking ahead, market analysts project continued strength in copper prices. Thailand’s copper scrap market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 7.6%, with Bare Bright prices projected to reach 420–460 Baht/kg by 2030–2031 .
The structural mismatch between global mining supply and smelting capacity means copper—and high-quality copper scrap—will remain a valuable commodity for years to come .
Get the Best Price for Your Copper Scrap
Whether you’re buying or selling copper scrap, the key to a successful transaction is working with a partner who understands the market and values quality.
Thailand Scrap is your trusted source for:
- Premium Millberry Copper Wire Scrap (99.9%–99.99% purity)
- Competitive FOB Thailand export pricing
- Reliable bulk supply for international buyers
- Professional shipment support worldwide
Contact us today to discuss your copper scrap requirements, request specifications, or get an export quotation:
