Aluminium cans scrap price

B2B buyers should prioritize ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries) specifications, specifically the 'Talc' grade for Used Beverage Cans (UBC). The scrap should be free of excessive dirt, moisture, plastic, and glass. A purity level of 99% aluminium content is the industry benchmark. Ensure the scrap is magnetically separated to remove ferrous metals and has a maximum attachment limit of 2-3% for non-aluminium materials.

The price is primarily indexed to the LME (London Metal Exchange) Aluminium Cash Price. Typically, scrap is traded at a percentage of the LME price (e.g., 70-85%) depending on the purity and form (baled, shredded, or briquetted). Buyers must account for market volatility and should look for suppliers who offer transparent pricing formulas based on real-time exchange rates and metal indices.

Aluminium cans are usually supplied in baled, densified (briquetted), or shredded forms. Baled scrap is the most common for export, offering a balance between processing cost and shipping density. Briquetted scrap provides the highest density, maximizing container weight capacity (up to 20-25 tons per 40ft HC), which significantly reduces the per-unit shipping cost. Shredded scrap allows for easier melting but may require specialized handling to prevent loss.

Reliable suppliers must hold ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certifications. For cross-border trade, verify if the supplier has an AQSIQ registration (if shipping to China) or equivalent export licenses for metal scrap. Ensure the supplier provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a Radiation-Free Certificate to prevent customs rejection at the destination port.

This is a high-risk category; always mandate a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) by reputable third parties like SGS or CCIC. Never pay 100% upfront. Use Letter of Credit (L/C at sight) or Escrow services provided by professional platforms like Made-in-China.com to ensure funds are only released upon verification of the Bill of Lading and Inspection Report.

Scrap metal is often subject to strict environmental import regulations. You must provide a Clean Report of Findings, a detailed Packing List, and a Commercial Invoice. Ensure the Harmonized System (HS) Code 7602.00 is correctly declared. For shipping, use FOB (Free on Board) terms if you have a reliable freight forwarder to better control demurrage and detention costs at the destination.

Instead of negotiating a fixed price, negotiate the 'Spread' or 'Discount' against the LME price. This protects both parties from market fluctuations. Request a trial order of 1-2 containers before committing to an annual contract. High-volume buyers should seek Direct Smelter Relationships or Tier-1 recyclers on Made-in-China.com to bypass middleman markups.

Be wary of prices that are significantly lower (more than 20%) than the LME-indexed market rate, as this often indicates scams or heavily contaminated material. Avoid suppliers who refuse on-site factory audits or third-party inspections. Check the supplier's business age and transaction history; a reputable supplier should have at least 3-5 years of verifiable export experience.