In 2022, India emerged as the world’s fifth-largest importer of non-ferrous scrap, with imports surpassing 500,000 metric tons. The primary non-ferrous scrap categories include copper, aluminum, and lead, jointly constituting over 90% of India’s total non-ferrous scrap imports. 

India’s non-ferrous scrap imports are poised to continue ascent as the manufacturing industry expands and urbanization persists.

Key Details:

• Copper scrap is the most prevalent non-ferrous scrap, serving industries like electronics, construction, and machinery.
• Aluminum scrap ranks second and caters to packaging, transportation, and construction sectors.
• Lead scrap is the third most common application in batteries, ammunition, and construction.
• Smaller quantities of other non-ferrous scrap, such as zinc, nickel, and tin, are also imported.

These non-ferrous scrap imports significantly contribute to India’s economic growth, catering to the manufacturing industry’s demand for non-ferrous metals and reducing reliance on imports, thereby conserving foreign exchange.