Exports of nonferrous scrap have boomed this year.
Nickel, copper, and aluminum have been particularly strong.
Nickel exports were 31% higher through the first eight months of 2017 than in the same period a year ago. The nickel waste exported totaled $80.5 million through August of this year compared to $61.4 million in 2016. A majority of the nickel was exported to Canada and went through the Buffalo customs district.
Copper exports surged by 20% through August. A total of $1.74 billion was exported in 2017 compared to $1.45 billion in 2016. The largest importer of copper was China, which accounted for $1.053 billion. This amount was 21% higher than the same period in 2016.
Aluminum exports also rose over the first eight months of 2017, increasing by 16% from a year ago. Exports increased by $190 million, from $1.20 billion in 2016 to $1.39 billion in 2017. China also was the largest receiver of the imported aluminum with a total value of $724.7 million. This accounted for more than half of the total US shipments.
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