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South Korea 路 copper consumer
South Korea mines almost no copper but is a major importer of copper concentrate, with large smelters at Onsan near Ulsan, and a big fabricating industry. Buyers want clean assays, independent inspection and bank payment terms. On Copper Supply you can post an offer for free and reach ID-checked buyers, or post a requirement as a Korean buyer.
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Post it freeSouth Korea has almost no copper mines of its own, but it is one of the world's important copper smelting and fabricating countries. Large smelters at Onsan, near Ulsan, import concentrate from Chile, Peru, Australia and elsewhere. Korean fabricators make rod, wire, cable, sheet and tube for the electronics, car and construction industries.
Korean buyers are careful. Expect them to want a long track record, independent inspection at loading, and payment by letter of credit. Most will not deal with long broker chains.
Concentrate and cathode are imported under normal customs rules through the Korea Customs Service. Scrap imports are controlled under environmental rules, and some scrap may need to be reported or approved before import. Your buyer and their customs broker should confirm what applies before you ship.
Screen every counterparty and check the origin of the cargo. Korean buyers screen for sanctions too.
Korean buyers want to know exactly who they are dealing with. On Copper Supply every member passes an ID check, and buyers can see what else has been checked before they reply.
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.
Korea's copper smelters, at Onsan near Ulsan, are the main buyers, mostly under long-term contracts with major mines. They also buy some spot cargoes. They expect a full assay, independent inspection and LC payment.
Yes, Korean recyclers and fabricators buy scrap, but scrap imports are controlled under environmental rules. Some scrap may need to be reported or approved before import. Ask your buyer and their customs broker to confirm.
Letters of credit are the most common for new suppliers. Established suppliers may agree other terms. Korean buyers rarely pay before shipment.
Large Korean smelters and fabricators usually buy directly from mines and large traders. A broker who asks you to sign an IMFPA or pay a fee to reach a Korean smelter, with no direct contact, is a warning sign.
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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 South Korea: key facts
Check the company's business registration, contact it through its official website, and confirm any LC with your own bank. On Copper Supply, badges show which ID and company checks a buyer has passed.
A short, printable checklist for dealing with anyone who says they represent a buyer or a seller. Use it before you send an LOI, an SCO or proof of funds.