Consumption Of Purchased Copper-Base Scrap In The United States

This table presents detailed data on the consumption of purchased copper-base scrap in the United States, segmented by type of operation and scrap category—new scrap generated during manufacturing and old scrap from consumer-used copper items. Tracking this consumption is crucial for understanding the recycling dynamics within the copper industry, which directly impacts raw material demand, production costs, and environmental sustainability. The data informs stakeholders about the volume of recycled copper materials reintroduced into the manufacturing cycle, highlighting the role of scrap in supporting domestic copper supply chains and reducing reliance on primary copper sources.

Analysis of the data reveals a slight overall decline in total copper-base scrap consumption from 926,000 metric tons in 2020 to 905,000 metric tons in 2021. Brass and wire-rod mills remain the dominant consumers, using 755,000 metric tons in 2021, down marginally from 768,000 metric tons the previous year. Notably, ingot makers experienced a significant decrease in total scrap consumption, dropping from 67,800 metric tons in 2020 to 52,600 metric tons in 2021, driven largely by a reduction in old scrap usage from 55,200 to 41,400 metric tons. Conversely, smelters and refineries increased their total consumption from 44,600 to 50,500 metric tons, with a marked rise in old scrap intake from 23,800 to 29,700 metric tons. Foundries and miscellaneous manufacturers showed a modest increase in total scrap consumption, reaching 46,900 metric tons in 2021. These shifts suggest evolving scrap sourcing and processing strategies across sectors, reflecting broader market and operational adjustments within the U.S. copper recycling industry.