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| Copper Recycling |
Secondary copper production growth outpaced primary copper outut globally during the first seven months of 2026. Preliminary ICSG statistics reveal total refined copper output grew by 1.7 percent year-on-year. Primary copper production grew by just 1.0 percent due to mine operational constraints. In contrast, secondary copper production surged by 4.3 percent over the same period.
Regional Output Shifts and Chinese Expansion
Chinese recyclers drove this robust growth in secondary copper production across global markets. China boosted its overall refined metal output by 4.6 percent through July. However, copper output across the rest of the world fell by 2.5 percent. Chile suffered a sharp 12.5 percent output drop following extensive smelter maintenance.
Investment Drivers Across Global Markets
Meanwhile, India expanded its refined copper capacity by over 20 percent through new primary investments. Western companies also increased capital spending in recycling facilities. Therefore, global supply growth increasingly depends on Chinese secondary copper production capacity.
ScrapInsight Commentary
The acceleration of secondary copper output reflects a fundamental structural pivot toward scrap utilization amid primary supply bottlenecks. China’s expanding recycling capacity will continue to dominate global refined market balances, tightening premium scrap availability worldwide. Consequently, smelters must secure reliable secondary feedstocks to hedge against persistent concentrate shortages and falling treatment charges.
