Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- September 11-17, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-09-18 06:16:55 | By Carolina Curiel
Copper scrap prices posted moderate gains over the week, with several major grades moving higher. Xmas Lights recorded the strongest performance, climbing ↑2.70% from the previous week, while #3 Copper- Light Copper followed closely with a week-on-week increase of ↑1.96%.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): The North American scrap metal market saw varying price movements across key material segments during September 11-17, 2026. This report examines the week’s market performance using figures from the Scrap Monster Price Index. It tracks changes in scrap values, assesses the factors behind the latest price shifts, and considers how supply, demand, and broader market conditions shaped trading sentiment across the region.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copper scrap prices showed varied movements over the week, as gains were recorded across several key grades. In contrast, a few categories remained unchanged from the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum scrap prices showed a modest downward trend on the Scrap Monster Price Index, although most listed grades remained unchanged week over week.
- Brass scrap values edged higher during the week, driven by tight scrap availability and firm copper market.
- Steel scrap prices held steady during the week, as consistent mill demand and sufficient scrap availability kept the market balanced.
- Stainless steel scrap prices were unchanged during the week, with all tracked grades maintaining their previous price levels.
Copper scrap prices posted moderate gains over the week, with several major grades moving higher. Xmas Lights recorded the strongest performance, climbing ↑2.70% from the previous week, while #3 Copper- Light Copper followed closely with a week-on-week increase of ↑1.96%. Meanwhile, Cu/Al Radiators, Cu/Al Radiators/Fe, Cu Yokes, Cu/Al Radiator Ends and Heater Cores held steady on the Index.
Aluminum scrap prices mostly remained flat on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 6063 Extrusions and 5052 Scrap were the only grades to see price declines, falling ↓0.94% and ↓0.79%, respectively.
Brass and bronze scrap prices rebounded this week on the Scrap Monster Price Index after declining in the previous week, supported by firmer copper prices, stronger buying interest, and tighter availability of quality scrap.
The lead scrap market maintained a stable trend throughout the week, with prices remaining unchanged across the North American markets.
Zinc scrap prices remained unchanged this week on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast holding steady. The flat performance reflected balanced supply and demand alongside subdued trading activity across North American markets.
Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices were unchanged during the week, with adequate supply keeping pace with demand and maintaining overall market balance.
In the meantime, Stainless steel scrap prices remained unchanged throughout the week, with all monitored grades on the Index holding at their previous levels.
For full market breakdowns, visit the Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub or track real-time prices via the US Scrap Price Index.
NON-FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Copper Scrap: Firm Prices, Volatile Trading
Copper scrap prices remain supported by tight underlying supply and strong demand from electrical, power-grid and infrastructure applications. However, recent gains have been tempered by rising exchange inventories, a stronger dollar and tariff uncertainty.
Aluminium Scrap: Supply Constraints Support Values
Aluminium scrap markets continue to benefit from elevated primary aluminium prices and supply disruptions. The global aluminium market is expected to remain in deficit, providing underlying support for scrap values.
Brass & Bronze Scrap: Copper-Driven Momentum
Brass and bronze scrap prices are closely linked to copper and zinc benchmarks, making them sensitive to movements in the broader base-metals complex. Firm copper fundamentals are providing support, although downstream buying remains dependent on manufacturing activity.
Zinc Scrap: Demand Remains a Key Concern
Zinc prices have recently gained, but market expectations remain cautious because relatively weak demand could offset supply-side concerns. This could limit upward momentum in zinc scrap prices if galvanizing and manufacturing demand remains subdued.
Lead Scrap: Battery Sector Remains Important
Lead scrap demand continues to be closely tied to the automotive and industrial battery sectors. Replacement-battery consumption provides a relatively stable demand base, while secondary lead availability and battery recycling rates remain important price drivers.
Electrification Continues to Support Non-Ferrous Scrap
Long-term demand for copper, aluminium and other non-ferrous metals remains linked to electrification, renewable energy, grid investment and digital infrastructure. These structural demand drivers are helping underpin the recycling market even as short-term prices remain volatile.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.6210 per pound as of September 17, 2026, modestly higher by around 7¢ (↑1.12%) over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $14,491.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap values regained momentum in the Setember 11-17, 2026 period after declining in the previous week. The strongest gain was recorded by #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, which climbed ↑1.93% from the prior week. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing followed with a ↑1.90% increase, while #1 Copper Bare Bright rose ↑1.87%. The broad-based advances across key copper grades pointed to firm buying interest and supported the improving tone in the North American copper scrap market.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.12 | +1.87% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.12 | +1.90% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.12 | +1.93% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
Copper scrap prices moved higher during September 11–17, 2026, according to the Scrap Monster Price Index. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing led with a ↑1.93% weekly gain, followed by #1 Copper Wire & Tubing at ↑1.90% and #1 Copper Bare Bright at ↑1.87%. Each grade increased by $0.12 per pound, reflecting continued market strength.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
North American copper scrap prices posted modest gains in the week ended September 17, 2026, according to the Scrap Monster Price Index. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing led with a ↑1.95% weekly increase, while #1 Copper Wire & Tubing and #1 Copper Bare Bright rose ↑1.92% and ↑1.89%, respectively. All three grades gained $0.12 per pound.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
Benchmark copper scrap prices moved higher as of September 17, 2026, according to the Scrap Monster Price Index. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing led with a ↑1.90% weekly gain, followed by #1 Copper Wire & Tubing at ↑1.87% and #1 Copper Bare Bright at ↑1.84%. Each grade gained $0.12 per pound.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All of the key copper scrap categories posted modest declines on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded the steepest weekly decline, falling ↓4.07% from the previous week. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing followed with a ↓4.04% week-over-week drop.
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded a week-over-week increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Copper sheet cutting recorded the largest price increase, rising by INR 2,000 per ton, equivalent to a ↑0.21% weekly gain.
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures closed at USD 3,297.55 per metric ton as of September 17, 2026, modestly higher when compared with the previous week's closing price of USD 3,279.60 per metric ton.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,301.50 per tonne, according to the London Metal Exchange.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: During the week, 6063 Extrusions recorded a ↓0.94% price decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Meanwhile, E.C. Aluminum Wire, Old Cast, and UBC prices remained unchanged from the previous week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
0.01 | -0.94% | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of 6063 Extrusions on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a decline of ↓0.94% as of Thursday, September 17, 2026. E.C. Aluminum Wire recorded no change when compared with the previous week. Old Cast and UBC prices held steady from the previous week's closing price.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices showed a modest decline over the past week. 6063 Extrusions fell by $0.01 per pound, while E.C. Aluminum Wire, Old Cast, and UBC prices remained flat.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of 6063 Extrusions on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a dip of ↓0.94% as of Thursday, September 17, 2026. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices were unchanged upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast held steady. Also, UBC prices remained unchanged week-over-week.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded a modest decline from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum Transformers and Aluminum Radiators posted the biggest dips, falling by ↓1.78% and ↓1.72% respectively.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Brass and bronze benchmark scrap grades on the Scrap Monster Price Index posted a modest increase. Yellow Brass advanced ↑0.28% week over week, while Red Brass rose ↑0.27%.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +0.27% | |
0.01 | +0.28% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, Red Brass prices edged higher by ↑0.27% as of September 17, 2026, while Yellow Brass posted a slightly stronger ↑0.28% week-on-week gain.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Brass and bronze scrap prices ended the week on a firmer note on the Scrap Monster Price Index. By September 17, 2026, Red Brass had risen ↑0.28% from the previous week, while Yellow Brass posted a stronger ↑0.29% week-over-week increase.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass and Yellow Brass prices each rose ↑0.26% week over week, with both the listed grades gaining $0.01 per pound each on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded a modest decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Both Red Brass and Yellow Brass prices were down by CNY 700 per MT.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories inhed lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The top loser was Brass Cuttings, whose prices were down by INR 1,000 per Ton (↓0.23%)
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a slight increase of USD 12.02 per Ton (↑0.63%) over the prior week to close at USD 1,914.20 per Ton as of September 17, 2026.
- The closing price of LME Lead 3-month contract was $1,910.00 per metric tonne, as per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: The lead scrap market remained unchanged throughout the week, indicating broadly balanced supply and demand conditions. Scrap auto battery prices also held steady, closing the week at levels consistent with the previous week's prices.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| Scrap Auto Batteries | 0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries held steady as of Thursday, September 17, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
Scrap auto battery prices remained unchanged during the week ending September 17, 2026, holding at the same levels recorded in the previous week.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change as of Thursday, September 17, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices recorded a decline of ↓0.37% each on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Also, Auto Battery prices recorded a sharper fall of ↓0.75% from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- The prices of all lead scrap categories in the region inched lower over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Zinc Futures closed at USD 3,888.70 per metric ton as of September 17, 2026, recording a modest increase of USD 13.30 per metric ton (↑0.34%).
- LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,881.50 per tonne
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices remained stable during the week, with all benchmark grades on the Scrap Monster Price Index holding unchanged from the previous reporting period. Both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded no week-over-week price movement.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The price of New Zinc Die Cast on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no variation as of Thursday, September 17, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were flat over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
The zinc scrap market remained stable over the reporting week, with New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast prices showing no week-on-week movement as of September 17, 2026.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The zinc scrap market remained steady during the week ended September 17, 2026, with New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast prices unchanged from the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a decline of CNY 700 per MT on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price was down by ↓3.77% from the previous week's price during the week ended September 17, 2026.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices witnessed an increase of ↑0.71% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Steel Mill Demand
Steelmakers' purchasing activity remains a primary driver of ferrous scrap prices. Higher mill utilization and steady demand for finished steel can encourage mills to secure more scrap, supporting scrap values.
Scrap Availability
The volume of obsolete and industrial scrap entering the market directly affects pricing. Tight collection flows can push prices higher, while abundant supply gives mills greater negotiating leverage.
Finished Steel Prices
Movements in finished steel prices influence how much mills can afford to pay for raw materials. Strong steel prices generally improve mill margins and can provide support to ferrous scrap purchasing prices.
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Production
EAF steelmaking relies heavily on ferrous scrap, making EAF operating rates an important market indicator. Increased EAF production can strengthen scrap demand, particularly for high-quality grades such as prime busheling.
Import and Export Flows
International trade remains an important influence on regional scrap markets. Changes in overseas buying, freight costs, tariffs and currency movements can alter the competitiveness and availability of scrap in major trading regions.
Energy and Production Costs
Electricity, natural gas and other energy costs affect steel mill operating economics, particularly for EAF producers. Changes in energy expenses can influence production rates and mills' willingness to purchase scrap.
Seasonal Collection Trends
Scrap generation and collection typically fluctuate with weather, construction activity and seasonal industrial patterns. Winter conditions can restrict collection and transportation in some regions, while stronger activity during warmer months can increase scrap flows.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing prices of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of September 17, 2026 are provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $404.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $615.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $410.00 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices held steady during the week, with all major Index grades unchanged from the previous period. #1 HMS, HMS 80/20, Shredded Auto Scrap, and #1 Busheling posted no week-over-week movement.
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.900 million NT during the week ended September 12, 2026. This is substantially higher by ↑5.10% week-on-week and ↑7.00% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate surged to 82.30% (compared to 78.30% in the week ending September 5, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-126,000 NT, Great Lakes-538,000 NT, Midwest-296,000 NT, Southern-876,000 NT, Western-64,000 NT
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, ferrous scrap prices were unchanged in the week ended September 17, 2026, with #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling all holding steady, reflecting balanced conditions in the North American market.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices remained unchanged on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week. Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also posted no week-over-week price movement.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
Ferrous scrap prices were unchanged in the week ended September 17, 2026, with all major benchmark grades on the Scrap Monster Price Index maintaining their previous-week levels. #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling all recorded zero week-over-week movement.
International Comparison
China Flat
China Steel Scrap Prices
- All the steel scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap prices remained flat upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: The stainless steel scrap market showed little movement over the week, with major grades maintaining their previous price levels. 304 SS Solid scrap was among the grades that recorded no week-on-week change. However, 201 SS recorded a sharp decline of ↓4.76%.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| 304 SS Solid | 0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid recorded no variation as of Thursday, September 17, 2026. 201 SS was the only category to record decline.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered no change. The price of the commodity held steady during the week on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Meanwhile, 201 SS prices saw a dip.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid remained unchanged during the week ended September 17, 2026, maintaining the same level as the previous week. 201 SS prices fell on the Index, dropping by ↓4.76% over the week.
International Comparison
China ↓0.44%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- 201 SS prices alone held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- In contrast, Shred SS, 304 SS Solid, 304 SS Turning, 309 SS, 316 SS Solid, and 310 SS prices recorded small declines on the Index during the week ended September 17, 2026.
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- U.S. Steel Mill Production- U.S. Raw Steel Output Rises 7% YoY on Higher Mill Utilization
- Contracts/Agreements- Liberty Steel terminates contract with developer for Georgetown site
- Steel Output- Steel production in China fell by 3.1% y/y in January-August / German steel output slips as weak demand interrupts recovery
- Milll Purchase/Sale- Sale of Georgetown steel mill canceled, placing major redevelopment effort in jeopardy
- Metal Recycling- BIR: EU Considers Wider Control on Recycled Material Exports
- Steel Plant Modernization- U.S. Steel Clears Final Hurdle for $475M Fairfield Q&T Project
- Imports/Exports- U.S. Steel Import Permits Jump 8.9% in August
- Tariffs/Quotas- Trump Tariffs on Canadian Steel Cripple Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“Higher energy costs continue to affect the market.” — Fastmarkets survey participant.
A Fastmarkets survey participant highlighted higher energy costs as an important factor affecting the U.S. ferrous scrap market in September. The survey overall indicated a broadly sideways market, with limited conviction among buyers and sellers for significant price movement.
Market Outlook
Prices Likely to Remain Range-Bound
U.S. ferrous scrap prices are expected to remain broadly sideways in September, with balanced supply and demand limiting major price movements. Fastmarkets' September survey recorded a Trend Indicator of 49.5, consistent with a largely neutral market.
Mill Demand Will Remain the Key Price Driver
Steel mills are likely to maintain disciplined scrap purchasing as finished-steel demand remains uneven. Mill operating rates, outages, and order books will determine whether scrap buyers need to compete more aggressively for material.
Scrap Supply Should Stay Relatively Balanced
U.S. scrap inventories are currently close to normal levels, suggesting neither significant shortages nor excess availability. This balance could keep price movements contained unless collection volumes or mill buying patterns change materially.
EAF Steelmaking Supports Long-Term Demand
The continued expansion of electric-arc-furnace steelmaking provides a structural source of demand for ferrous scrap. As EAF capacity increases, competition for suitable scrap grades could strengthen, particularly for higher-quality prime material.
Global Steel Demand Remains Uneven
The near-term outlook is constrained by generally subdued demand in several major steel-consuming regions. However, the U.S., India and parts of Southeast Asia continue to provide relatively stronger demand prospects, creating differences between regional scrap markets.
Trade and Geopolitical Risks Will Increase Volatility
Disruptions involving the Black Sea, Middle East and major shipping routes are making international steel and scrap trade more uncertain. Changes in tariffs, import restrictions and freight costs could quickly alter regional scrap flows and pricing.
In short, the ferrous scrap market is likely to remain largely range-bound in the near term, with regional differences and geopolitical risks creating volatility. Recent U.S. surveys point to broadly sideways pricing, while global steel-market conditions remain constrained by subdued demand and elevated production costs.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S
- Mon: New York Fed SCE Household Spending Survey
- Tue: Philadelphia Fed Non-Manufacturing Survey, Richmond Fed Survey of Manufacturing Activity
- Wed: S&P Global Flash Manufacturing & Services PMI (September)
Europe (EU & UK)
- Wed: Eurozone and Germany HCOB Flash Manufacturing & Services PMI (September), UK S&P Global Flash Manufacturing & Services PMI (September).
- Thu: Swiss National Bank (SNB) Interest Rate Decision
Asia & Oceania
- Mon: People's Bank of China (PBoC) Loan Prime Rate (LPR) Decision, South Korea and Malaysia Goods Trade Balance, Exports, and Imports (YoY).
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