Exporting Copper from the USA to East Asia: China, Korea & Taiwan
East Asia holds some of the world's largest copper refiners and rod mills. The key to shipping there is meeting each market's import standard — especially China, which now imports higher-purity "recycled copper raw material" rather than lower-grade "scrap." With the right grade, inspection, and Incoterms, East Asian buyers place large, performing orders.
China: "recycled copper raw material," not scrap
China restructured its metals-import regime and no longer imports copper as general "scrap." Instead it admits recycled copper raw material that meets a national purity standard (the GB/T specification), classifying qualifying material as a resource rather than waste. In practice this means only sufficiently clean, high-copper-content material qualifies, and it must be certified accordingly. Confirm the current standard, testing, and import-licence requirements with your buyer's customs agent before contracting — this regime has changed repeatedly and details matter.
What this means for your load
High-purity grades such as mill berry (bare bright) and LME Grade A cathode are the natural fit for China's raw-material standard. Lower, contaminated grades that don't meet the purity threshold may need to be directed to South Korea, Taiwan, or other markets instead.
South Korea & Taiwan
South Korea hosts major smelters and rod mills with steady import demand; Taiwan has a dense base of cable, electronics, and hardware manufacturers. Both are experienced with ISRI grades and standard Incoterms, and both are practical alternatives for grades that don't meet China's raw-material threshold.
Main East Asian ports
- China: Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Qingdao.
- South Korea: Busan.
- Taiwan: Kaohsiung.
Incoterms, order size & pricing
| Item | Standard |
|---|---|
| Default Incoterm | FOB Port Everglades (CFR / CIF to an East Asian port on request) |
| Minimum export order | 5 × 20ft containers (≈110–120 MT depending on grade) |
| Pricing basis | LME copper less a transparent grade-based margin, volume tiers apply |
| Payment (new relationships) | Irrevocable Letter of Credit or agreed deposit + balance |
| Inspection | Independent pre-shipment inspection / certification to the destination standard |
Which grades East Asian buyers ask for
High-purity mill berry (ISRI Barley) and LME Grade A cathode for China's raw-material standard; a broader range including No.2 copper (Birch/Cliff) and insulated cable for Korea and Taiwan. See the Mill Berry vs Birch/Cliff comparison, the copper grades guide, and how to buy copper for export.
Shipping copper to East Asia?
Get a landed quote to Shanghai, Busan, or Kaohsiung — grade, certification, and Incoterms of your choice.
Get an Export QuoteFrequently asked questions
Can China still import copper scrap from the USA?
China imports "recycled copper raw material" that meets a national purity standard, rather than importing lower grades as "scrap." Qualifying material is treated as a resource and must be certified to the applicable specification. Confirm current rules with the buyer's customs agent.
Which grades qualify for China?
Typically high-purity material such as bare bright mill berry and LME Grade A cathode. Contaminated lower grades may not meet the threshold and are better directed to Korea, Taiwan, or other markets.
What is the minimum order?
5 × 20ft containers (≈110–120 MT depending on grade), shipped FOB Port Everglades or CFR/CIF to a nominated East Asian port.
How is the price set?
Against the LME copper price, less a transparent grade-based margin, with volume tiers. Freight and insurance are added for CFR/CIF terms.