Healthy demand for copper scrap

The global copper recycling market will top US$ 50 billion (EUR 44 billion) this year, according to market analysts.

Coherent Market Insights (CMI) reports the copper scrap market is well positioned for future growth. Recyclers around the world will likely see 10.6% compound annual growth during the 2025-2032 period. By the end of that timeline, the sector will be worth over US$ 102 billion.

Global popularity

Copper is a common key ingredient in consumer products, ranging from cars to computer components, batteries and jewellery. The metal also supports large-scale IT & telecom as well as construction projects.

Across applications, copper counts as one of the most crucial minerals currently driving the circular economy. In fact, the International Energy Agency believes that almost 50% of total copper demand will be dedicated to clean energy technologies by 2040. It adds that overall global demand will grow by at least 50% by 2050.

The Asia-Pacific region, led by China, has the biggest demand for copper scrap. North America and Europe also have a positive outlook for the red metal. These are highlighted in the report, together with chapters on Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

Recycling pioneers

CMI’s Market analysts also spotlight several industry leaders. These include:

• Sims Metal Management
• Nucor Corporation
• Commercial Metals Company (CMC)
• European Metal Recycling Ltd.
• Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc.
• David J. Joseph Company (DJJ)
• Recycling Group
• OmniSource Corporation
• Ferrous Processing & Trading
• Metalico Inc.
• KWS Environmental
• SA Recycling LLC
• BHS (Babcock & Wilcox)
• Recycled Metal Solutions Inc.
• J.P. Morgan Chase & Co