Exporting Copper from the USA to Asia: Ports, Rules & Buyers
Asia is the largest destination for US copper scrap and refined copper, home to major smelters, refiners, and cable makers. To ship there you need ISRI-graded material, a pre-shipment inspection where the destination requires it, clear Incoterms, and the right discharge port. This overview maps the main Asian markets and links to detailed corridor guides for the routes that matter most.
The Asian markets that place real orders
Demand across Asia is deep but uneven — and the difference between a serious buyer and an endless price-shopper is real. The markets below are covered in dedicated guides:
- East Asia — China, South Korea, Taiwan: large, established refiners and rod mills. Note China now imports under a "recycled copper raw material" standard rather than as "scrap." See our USA → East Asia guide.
- Turkey: a major secondary-copper hub straddling Europe and Asia, with performing smelter demand. See our USA → Turkey guide.
- South & Southeast Asia: a large import market with many buyers; grade discipline, valid inspection, and firm payment terms matter most here.
Pre-shipment inspection
Several Asian destinations require a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate for imported metallic scrap, issued at the load port by an approved agency (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Cotecna). It certifies the container holds only the declared material. Requirements differ by country and change over time — a serious exporter arranges the correct inspection as a standard part of the shipment, and you should confirm current rules with your customs broker.
Grade and payment discipline protect both sides
The cleanest way to avoid wasted time is a firm process: ISRI grade stated on the contract, an independent inspection, and an irrevocable Letter of Credit or agreed deposit-plus-balance for new relationships. Buyers who won't commit to inspection and L/C terms rarely convert to performing orders.
Incoterms & order size
- FOB Port Everglades is our standard; we can quote CFR or CIF to a nominated Asian port on request.
- Minimum export order: 5 × 20ft containers (≈110–120 MT depending on grade).
- Pricing: LME copper price less a transparent, grade-based margin, with volume tiers — see how copper pricing works.
For the full buying mechanics — Incoterms, documents, inspection, and payment — read how to buy copper scrap in bulk for export.
Which grades Asian buyers ask for
Most demand is for mill berry (ISRI Barley) and No.2 copper (Birch/Cliff), plus insulated cable priced on recoverable content and LME Grade A cathode for manufacturers. If you're unsure which grade fits, see the Mill Berry vs Birch/Cliff comparison and the copper grades guide.
Shipping copper to an Asian buyer?
Get a landed quote to your nominated port — grade, container count, and Incoterms of your choice.
Get an Export QuoteFrequently asked questions
What is the minimum order to export copper from the USA to Asia?
Atlas Copper's export minimum is 5 × 20ft containers, roughly 110–120 metric tonnes depending on grade, shipped FOB Port Everglades or CFR/CIF to a nominated Asian port.
Do Asian countries require inspection of copper scrap?
Several do — a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from an approved agency at the load port. Requirements vary by country and change over time, so confirm current rules with your customs broker.
Can China still import copper scrap?
China imports under a "recycled copper raw material" standard that sets purity thresholds, rather than importing lower grades as "scrap." Material must meet the applicable specification. See our East Asia guide.
How is the price set for copper exported to Asia?
Against the LME copper price, less a transparent grade-based margin, with volume tiers. Freight and insurance are added for CFR/CIF; under FOB the buyer arranges shipping from the US port.