Copper is consistently the most valuable common scrap metal in Auckland. Understanding how copper prices are set, what affects them, and what to expect for your specific grade helps you get a fair deal.
How Copper Prices Are Set in NZ
Copper prices in New Zealand follow the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper price, which is quoted in USD per metric tonne. Local NZ scrap prices are derived by:
- Taking the LME copper price (currently around USD $9,000–10,000/tonne)
- Converting to NZD at the current exchange rate
- Subtracting processing, transport, and margin
- Adjusting for local grade differentials
Auckland Copper Grades and Prices 2026
Bare Bright Copper: $12–$14/kg — Clean, bright, uncoated copper wire. The highest-paying copper grade.
#1 Copper: $10–$12/kg — Clean copper pipe, bus bars, and cable with no soldering, paint, or coatings.
#2 Copper: $8–$10/kg — Copper with minor impurities — some solder, paint, or light coatings.
Insulated Copper Wire: $2.50–$7/kg — Price depends on copper content percentage of the wire.
What Affects NZ Copper Prices?
- LME spot price — driven by global supply and demand, Chinese manufacturing activity
- NZD/USD exchange rate — a stronger NZ dollar reduces the local copper price
- Shipping costs — affects the value of exported NZ copper concentrates
- Local supply and demand balance