Stainless steel scrap exports rise in H1 as copper and aluminium scrap volumes fall

By Pandu Setiabudi

Indonesia's exports of major metal scrap products posted mixed results in the first half of 2026, according to data released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) on Aug. 3. Stainless steel scrap exports continued to expand, while copper and aluminium scrap shipments declined in volume despite higher export values supported by stronger metal prices.

Stainless steel scrap

Indonesia exported 4,200 tonnes of stainless steel scrap in June, down 34.9% from May but up 2.0% from a year earlier. Export value reached US$6.2 million, down 36.7% month on month but up 10.7% year on year.

During the January-June period, exports rose 34.4% year on year to 29,800 tonnes, while export value increased 41.3% to US$41.3 million.

India remained the largest export destination with 20,000 tonnes, while Tanjung Priok Port was the main export gateway, handling 19,500 tonnes.

Copper scrap

Exports totaled 2,700 tonnes in June, down 9.4% from May and 15.1% from a year earlier, while export value fell 6.6% month on month but rose 15.4% year on year to US$31.9 million.

During the first half, export volume declined 11.3% to 16,100 tonnes, although export value increased 18.4% to US$183.2 million.

Taiwan remained the largest export destination with 5,800 tonnes, while Tanjung Priok Port handled the largest shipment volume at 11,000 tonnes.

Aluminium scrap

Exports reached 1,000 tonnes in June, down 6.1% from May but up 11.0% from a year earlier. Export value rose 4.8% month on month and 70.7% year on year to US$2.4 million.

During the January-June period, export volume fell 9.2% to 5,800 tonnes, while export value increased 9.0% to US$11.1 million.

Thailand became Indonesia's largest export destination during the first half with 2,200 tonnes, replacing South Korea, while Tanjung Priok Port remained the country's main export gateway, handling 3,900 tonnes.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak