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Procurement of non-ferrous metal in 2025: where it is used, who processes and why worth delivering (Lithuania and the world)
In 2025, we saw different trajectories in the market of non-ferrous metals: copper remained expensive and volatile due to the demand for energy transition/electrification, aluminium was approaching the deficit zone, zinc followed the steel galvanisation cycle, lead remained stable but was at risk of excess, and stainless steel fluctuated according to the dynamics of nickel and scrap flows. In Lithuania, purchase prices were affected by both global LME/COMEX signals and domestic industry price pressure. The delivery of non-ferrous metals is financially profitable for residents and businesses, as well as significantly reduces energy consumption and CO₂ footprint. Furthermore, APK, UAB procures non-ferrous metals at attractive prices in Klaipėda, Telšiai and Kretinga, offering convenient locations and services.
What are the main areas of use of non-ferrous metals?
Use of metals by type:
- Copper: Due to its high conductivity, ~70% of copper is used for electrical applications (energy networks, cables, electric vehicles, building installations). The transition to “green” energy will further increase the demand for copper between 2030 and 2035.
- Aluminium: This lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal is most widely used in transportation, packaging, and construction industries; In 2024-2025, global production is growing, however, there are signs of a structural deficit as China reaches the production ceiling.
- Zinc: Around ~60% of the zinc worldwide is used for galvanizing steel to prevent corrosion, linking the zinc market with construction and the automotive industry.
- Lead: >85% of lead is consumed in the production of batteries (SLI, industrial and UPS); It is a sector that relies heavily on demand relating to cars, data centres, and energy reserves.
- Stainless steel (a broad family of nickel/chromium-containing alloys): The final and the largest consumers include produces of household appliances, industrial equipment, as well as construction and food industries; Between 2024 and 2025, its global consumption grew again.
Who processes and what does the market look like?
Globally:
- Recycling of aluminium is highly developed – secondary aluminium allows to save ~95% energy compared to primary metal, which is both a CO₂ reduction and a cheaper raw material.
- In the copper cycle, ~32% of the supply (mean value in 2009-2018) was made up of recycled copper, which is a critical part, however, recycling alone will not be able to meet the growing demand.
- International trade in stainless steel scrap (SSS) is an important source of “secondary units” of nickel; Prices and flows in Europe fluctuated sharply in 2023-2024.
- The lead-acid battery chain has an extremely high collection and recycling rate (~99% in the US), while part of the market signals in 2025 indicates an excess supply of lead.
In Lithuania.
There is a dense network of procurement and handling companies operating in the country: Žalvaris, Novitera, Metransa/Metruna, Tolmeta (extensive network of branches), Geležinis verslas, Laumina, Kuusamet, and other. These companies procure copper, brass, aluminium, stainless steel, lead/batteries, electronics, and catalysts.
Why is it worth delivering non-ferrous metals? (Economy + Ecology)
- Higher return per kg: Non-ferrous metals (especially copper, brass, and aluminium) have a high value: in 2025, the publicly available price lists in Lithuania indicated that the purchase price of copper often exceeded 6-7 €/kg, the price of brass was ~4.5-4.9 €/kg, and the price of aluminium ~1.2-1.8 €/kg (depending on the type). These are indicative market values.
- Huge energy and CO₂ savings: Recycling of aluminium saves ~95% of energy; recycling of copper requires ~85% less energy than the primary production, making a direct contribution to reducing costs and emissions.
- Circularity leaders: The cycle of lead-acid batteries is one of the most advanced – in the US, ~99% of batteries are collected and recycled, while >85% of lead is consumed worldwide specifically for batteries.
What influences prices in 2025?
- Aluminium: The market is moving towards a structural deficit – Chinese production is approaching 45 Mt/year ceiling, while transport- and renewable energy-related demand is growing. This supports prices and demand for recycled aluminium.
- Copper: The long-term growth in demand is driven by electrification (power grids, EVs, energy for data centres). Sources (ICA, UNCTAD) show that the role of copper in the “green” and digital economy will only get stronger.
- Zinc: Dependent on steel galvanisation cycle – recovery of construction/automotive industries increases demand; The US/EU trade policy and the price of energy affect melting margins. CSIS
- Lead: In 2025, ILZSG records a supply surplus, however, the segment of data centres/UPS (lead + lithium mix) maintain the demand fairly stable.
- Stainless steel: Global output and demand grew between 2024 and 2025, however, in Europe, producers are facing cost and competitive pressures, which affects the sensitivity of scrap pricing.
Lithuanian market signals in 2025.
- Industry prices: According to the State Data Agency (SDA), in August 2025, prices of industrial production sold by manufacturers decreased by 0.5% mon./mon. (excluding refined petroleum products (-0.2%)). This corresponds to the pressure on metal chains and processors’ margins.
- Publicly available purchasing price examples: Kuusamet (Klaipėda) indicates the prices of non-ferrous materials (e.g., copper wires, brass, stainless steel); the prices are updated and vary according to type and contamination. The price lists of Metruna/Metransa branches set the price of brass at ~4,000-4,200 €/t, aluminium at ~1,100-1,800 €/t, and stainless steel at the several hundred to 1,400 €/t interval based on quality. The prices published by other market players (e.g., Lauzosupirkimas.lt, Sulcas ir partneriai) show that copper is purchased at ~7.00 €/kg, brass at ~4.70€/kg, and aluminium at ~1.40 €/kg, which are indicative values subject to negotiations. Important: The published rates are informational; The final price is determined by quantity, type, cleanliness, logistics, and payment conditions (this is also reflected in the Lithuanian companies’ price lists and posts on social media).
Why is it worth collecting and delivering right now?
- Getting money here and now: Non-ferrous metal remains in demand; The demand for copper and aluminium will be lasting due to the cycle of electric vehicles, grids and packaging.
- Energy saving and ecology: Recycling aluminium and copper saves 95% and ~85% energy, which makes a real contribution to bills and the climate.
- Legal and safety aspect: Orderly delivery of lead batteries to official purchasing chains is a matter of public health; The high level of recycling shows that it is possible to do it safely.
Where to deliver?
JSC APK – procurement, processing, disassembly and trade in scrap metal in Klaipėda, Telšiai, and Kretinga.
- Klaipėda: Liepų Str. 87
- Klaipėda: Jūrininkų Ave. 38
- Telšiai: Šiaurinės Str. 6 (see also information on the company’s website and posts on social media)
- Kretinga: Palangos Str. 18 (purchase prices are publicly available)
The APK page indicates attractive prices and practical services (e.g., a trailer rental for metal delivery), which is especially convenient for residents and small businesses.
Practical recommendations for those who intend to deliver scrap metal
- Sort out by metal type and cleanliness: cables/copper, brass (commonly: radiators, plumbing), aluminium (tin, profiles), stainless (the magnet does not stick to it), lead (batteries – always deliver to official procurement sites). Public price lists show significant price differences between clean and mixed fractions.
- In case of larger quantities – negotiate the price. Majority of LT companies state that prices for larger quantities are coordinated individually.
- Security and documentation: Batteries and hazardous fractions should always be delivered to licensed handlers (the lead chain may pose health threats but can be recycled 99% safely).
Conclusion
The collection and delivery of non-ferrous metals is an instant financial benefit, significant energy/CO₂ savings and a safer environment.
The demand vector for 2025 (electrification, data centres, green transport) means that scrap copper, aluminium and stainless steel will remain in demand; Zinc and lead trajectories are more cyclical, however, high recycling rates (especially of lead) ensure a sustainable return of materials to the economy.
If you are in Klaipėda, Telšiai or Kretinga, APK, UAB will offer attractive prices and convenient logistics – deliver non-ferrous metals to a place where they acquire a new value.