- Japan’s copper scrap imports exceed 100,000 t in H1CY’26
- US share of Japan’s imports rises sharply since H2CY’25
Japan’s copper scrap imports continued to increase in the first half of 2026, surpassing 100,000 tonnes (t) during January-June. Including copper alloy scrap such as brass and bronze, total imports reached 139,000 t, nearly double the volume recorded in the corresponding period of 2021. While rising imports may initially suggest stronger domestic demand, market participants increasingly believe Japan may be emerging as a logistics and trading hub linking US scrap supply with Chinese demand.
The most notable shift has been the growing contribution of the United States to Japan’s import basket. The US accounted for only 8-15% of Japan’s copper scrap imports in previous years. However, its share rose to 26% in the second half of 2025 and further increased to 37% in the first half of 2026. In July alone, US-origin material represented 33% of total imports.
Market participants attribute the timing of the increase to changing trade flows following the escalation of US-China trade tensions in 2025. According to trading company sources, demand for repacking and redistribution services in Asia has increased, suggesting that regional logistics networks are adapting to shifting trade patterns. Sources indicated that enquiries related to repacking operations have become more frequent, although the scale of such activity remains difficult to quantify.
China continues to be the dominant destination for Japan’s copper scrap exports, accounting for the majority of outbound shipments. According to BigMint data, Japan exported 198,000 t to China in H1CY’26, a rise of 38% y-o-y from 143,500 t in H1CY’25. Japan’s total copper scrap exports amounted to 220,600 t in H1CY’26 compared to 171,000 t in H1CY’25, a surge of 29%. However, it remains unclear how much of the material imported from the US is ultimately re-exported to China. Elevated copper prices in recent years have supported spot trading activity and improved the economics of cross-border scrap movements.
The increase in imports also comes at a time when Japan’s domestic copper industry is facing weaker production trends. Electrical copper production in the first half of 2026 fell to approximately 712,000 t, the lowest level in 15 years. Copper product output also declined to around 341,000 t, compared with approximately 391,000 t in the first half of 2021.
These figures suggest that rising imports are not solely linked to domestic consumption growth. Instead, imports may be helping offset weaker domestic scrap generation while simultaneously supporting regional trade flows.
The shift coincides with the intensification of US-China trade friction during 2025. Additional tariffs imposed by the US prompted retaliatory measures from China, increasing scrutiny of indirect trade routes and the role of third countries in commodity supply chains.
Market implications
Japan’s growing role in copper scrap trade could reshape regional material flows if US-origin volumes continue to increase. For scrap traders, recyclers and consumers, the development highlights the growing importance of logistics, processing and redistribution capabilities alongside traditional supply-demand fundamentals. If trade restrictions between the US and China remain in place, Japan may continue to strengthen its position as a strategic intermediary in the Asian copper scrap market.
This article has been written in accordance with a content exchange agreement between BigMint and Japan Metal Daily.
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