Production Of Secondary Copper And Copper-Alloy Products In The United States

This table presents detailed data on the production of secondary copper and copper-alloy products derived from scrap materials within the United States. It encompasses various categories, including unalloyed copper products, multiple types of brass and bronze ingots, brass mill and wire-rod mill products, castings, and copper used in chemical products. This information is crucial for understanding the recycling and reuse efficiency of copper, a metal vital to numerous industries such as electrical, construction, and manufacturing. Tracking these figures helps gauge the health of the secondary copper market, assess supply chain sustainability, and inform economic policies related to resource management and industrial output.

Analyzing the data from 2020 to 2021 reveals a notable decline in total production of secondary copper and copper-alloy products from 91,000 metric tons to 88,500 metric tons. Specifically, unalloyed copper products increased by approximately 13% from 43,200 to 48,900 metric tons, indicating a growing demand or improved recovery in this category. Conversely, alloyed copper products experienced a general downturn; for example, leaded red brass and semi-red brass production dropped significantly by about 19% from 36,200 to 29,400 metric tons, and high leaded tin bronze decreased by roughly 23% from 9,310 to 7,160 metric tons. Miscellaneous alloyed products also saw a sharp reduction from 7,050 to 4,400 metric tons. Brass mill and wire-rod mill products slightly declined from 755,000 to 739,000 metric tons, while brass and bronze castings remained relatively stable. These trends suggest shifting market dynamics within the secondary copper industry, possibly influenced by changes in demand, scrap availability, or manufacturing practices.