Guilin Metals
Cu

Metal Profile

Copper

109,570CNY/t+0.25%

Copper is one of the most important nonferrous metals, widely used in electrical, construction, and manufacturing industries. China is the world's largest copper consumer, importing over 6 million tonnes of refined copper and copper scrap annually. The domestic benchmark is the SHFE front-month contract, with spot quotations priced at a premium or discount to it; LME is the international benchmark.

Domestic Benchmark (Live)

109,570CNY/t

Overseas · LME

14,269.00USD/t

+0.25%

Domestic prices are SHFE settlement and include 13% VAT (gold is VAT-exempt, silver is not); LME / COMEX prices exclude VAT, duty and freight. The two are therefore not comparable at the spot FX rate alone.

CNY/t · Domestic Benchmark

HS Code · Customs Classification

HS CodeDescription
7403.11Refined copper cathodes and sections
7403.12Refined copper wire-bars (rod)
7403.13Refined copper billets
7403.19Other refined copper, unwrought
7404.00Copper waste and scrap
7408.11Copper wire (cross-section > 6mm)
7409.11Refined copper plates, sheets and strip, in coils

The 6-digit code shown is the international HS subheading (WCO standard). Full Chinese customs filings use a 10-digit statistical code — see the Chinese version for the 8-digit national tariff line.

All 35 copper HS codes with China trade volumes →Copper alloy grades — GB to UNS cross-reference →

Import Tariff Rates

Copper ores and concentrates2603.000%
Unrefined copper; copper anodes for electrolytic refining7402.000%provisional (MFN 2%)
Refined copper cathodes and sections of cathodes7403.110%provisional (MFN 2%)
Refined copper wire-bars7403.120%provisional (MFN 2%)
Refined copper billets7403.130%provisional (MFN 2%)
Other refined copper, unwrought7403.190%provisional (MFN 2%)
Copper-zinc base alloys (brass), unwrought7403.211%
Copper-tin base alloys (bronze), unwrought7403.221%
Other copper alloys, unwrought7403.291%
Copper waste and scrap7404.000%provisional (MFN 1.5%)
VAT (Import)13%

Where a provisional rate exists, it is the rate actually applied. Rates are taken from a third-party tariff database (data as of 2026-08-23), not an official customs notice — confirm against the current Chinese customs tariff before filing.

Import Policy

Refined copper cathode (HS 7403.11) has a 2% MFN rate, but the 0% provisional rate is what is actually applied; import VAT is 13%. Copper waste and scrap (HS 7404.00) has a 1.5% MFN rate, with a 0% provisional rate applied to recycled copper and copper-alloy raw material. Material meeting the national recycled-copper standards imports as an ordinary product with an entry clearance form and import inspection; non-compliant material is banned — admissibility turns on which 10-digit subheading it is declared under. Copper concentrate (HS 2603) is duty-free and requires an automatic import licence. On the export side, refined copper carries a 30% statutory export duty, 10% provisional for ordinary cathode.

Common Specifications

Grade 1 Electrolytic Copper (LME Grade A, 99.99%)Grade 2 Copper (Cu ≥99.7%)Bright Copper Wire (BCC, purity ≥99.9%)Motor Copper (electric motor wire, 85–90%)Copper Granules (Cu ≥97%)Brass (Cu-Zn alloy, H59/H62/H65)Mixed Copper Scrap (No.1 / No.2 Copper Scrap)

How to Sell Copper to China

China is the world's largest importer of copper, accounting for a dominant share of global demand. Chinese buyers — including smelters, refineries, processors, and trading companies — actively seek verified overseas suppliers year-round. Common traded forms include refined copper, alloy ingots, and recyclable scrap.

To sell copperinto China, your cargo must be correctly classified under the applicable HS codes (listed above) and comply with China's customs inspection requirements. Pricing is typically benchmarked against the SHFE (Shanghai Futures Exchange) spot price or LME, with regional premiums or discounts depending on grade, origin, and logistics.

Guilin Metals operates a curated network of copper buyers across China — from major industrial hubs in Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu to inland smelting regions. Post your copper supply listing with grade, quantity, and origin, and our team will match you with active buyers and provide indicative prices within 24 hours.

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