Loading buyers and suppliers
Loading buyers and suppliers
China · copper producer and consumer
China is the world's largest consumer and refiner of copper, and the largest importer of copper concentrate. Chinese smelters, refiners, fabricators and traders buy concentrate, cathode, blister and recycled copper from around the world. On Copper Supply you can post an offer for free and reach ID-checked buyers, or post a buying requirement as a Chinese buyer.
China mines copper, but it uses and refines far more than it mines. Its smelters import concentrate from Chile, Peru, Africa and elsewhere, and its fabricators buy cathode and recycled copper to make rod, wire, tube and sheet.
Most buyers want independent inspection at loading for weight, moisture and assay, and pay by letter of credit or against documents. Few will pay before shipment.
Rules change, so your buyer and their customs broker should confirm what applies before you ship.
Chinese buyers want reliable supply with clean documents. Sellers can post an offer once and reach buyers who trade that product, and Chinese buyers can post exactly what they need.
Copper Supply never holds trade money and takes no commission on deals. Before you deal with anyone, search the members-only scam list.
Free to join. Copper Supply never holds trade money and takes no commission on deals.
Chinese copper smelters are the main buyers, mostly under long-term contracts, with spot cargoes on top. Trading companies also buy. They expect a full assay, independent inspection, and pricing on payable copper less treatment and refining charges.
Only recycled copper that meets the national standard GB/T 38470-2019 can be imported freely. Copper scrap that does not meet it is treated as solid waste and cannot be imported. Check with the buyer and their customs broker before you ship.
Letters of credit and payment against documents are the most common. Some trusted relationships use open terms. Be careful with any buyer who asks you to pay a fee before they will open an LC.
Many prefer LME or SHFE registered brands, which are easier to price and to deliver to an exchange. Non-registered cathode can sell, usually at a discount, with a full assay and independent inspection.
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Post it free. Members who trade that product get an email within minutes, and only ID-checked people can contact you.
Copper in China: key facts
Check the company on China's national enterprise credit information system, confirm its bank and any LC with your own bank, and be wary of buyers who ask for fees. On Copper Supply, badges show which ID and company checks a buyer has passed.
Proof of funds is demanded in almost every copper deal and faked in many. What each common bank document means, what it doesn't, and how to check it.