Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report – November 6–12, 2026
North American ferrous scrap prices strengthened during November 6–12, while copper, most aluminum, brass/bronze and zinc weakened. Shredded Auto Scrap gained 3.41%, stainless steel advanced and lead remained unchanged on the ScrapMonster Price Index.
By Carolina Curiel | Published November 13, 2026 | Report week: November 6–12, 2026 | Changes versus the preceding weekly close
Weekly Market at a Glance
Copper: ▼ 5¢/lb for three principal clean grades; #3 Copper-Light Copper ▼0.86%.
Aluminum: ▼ 1–2¢/lb for highlighted wire, extrusion, casting and UBC grades; Aluminum Radiators ▲2.86%.
Brass/Bronze: ▼ 2¢/lb for Red Brass and Yellow Brass.
Stainless steel: ▲ 1.79% for 304 SS Turning; 304 SS Solid ▲1.52%.
Steel: ▲ $15 for Shredded Auto Scrap (+3.41%); #1 HMS, HMS 80/20 and #1 Busheling also gained.
Lead: → Unchanged for North American Scrap Auto Batteries.
Zinc: ▼ 1¢/lb for both New and Old Zinc Die Cast.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): U.S. steel scrap prices rose for a second straight reported week even as copper, aluminum and brass scrap remained under pressure. During November 6–12, Shredded Auto Scrap led the highlighted ferrous gains at 3.41%, while 304 SS Turning advanced 1.79%. Clean copper grades fell 5¢/lb, leaving the market divided across metals.
ScrapMonster Edge: Steel Gains Despite a Drop in Mill Output
Weekly scrap prices and crude-steel output moved in opposite directions. Shredded Auto Scrap rose 3.41% while AISI reported U.S. raw steel output down 13.4% week-on-week to 1.778 million net tons for the week ended November 7. These observations cover different periods and do not establish a causal relationship.
Operator takeaway: Monitor actual mill purchase orders, regional inbound flows and delivered scrap availability alongside production indicators. Rising buying benchmarks should not be interpreted as proof of stronger steel output.
NON-FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Copper Scrap – Global Supply Constraints and Industrial Demand
Tight copper concentrate availability and low smelter treatment charges are influencing global copper market sentiment. Fluctuations in LME prices, coupled with changing Chinese purchasing activity, are affecting scrap procurement strategies. Strong demand from power infrastructure, renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors continues to support the long-term outlook for recycled copper.
Aluminum Scrap – Primary Metal Supply and Secondary Alloy Demand
Global aluminum prices remain sensitive to production constraints, energy costs and exchange inventory movements. Demand from automotive manufacturers, packaging companies and construction industries is influencing secondary aluminum consumption. Competition for quality scrap grades is also affecting procurement costs and recycling margins.
Brass and Bronze Scrap – Copper and Zinc Price Movements
Brass and bronze scrap prices are closely linked to fluctuations in underlying copper and zinc benchmarks. Changes in manufacturing activity, particularly in plumbing, electrical fittings, automotive components and industrial equipment, are influencing consumption. Cautious procurement by downstream manufacturers is limiting substantial price increases in some markets.
Zinc Scrap – Galvanizing Industry Demand
Demand from the steel galvanizing industry remains a major factor influencing zinc scrap prices. Construction activity, infrastructure investments and automotive manufacturing are shaping consumption patterns. Changes in refined zinc inventories and mine supply are adding further uncertainty to secondary zinc market valuations.
Lead Scrap – Battery Recycling and Replacement Demand
The automotive battery replacement market continues to generate substantial demand for recycled lead. Battery collection volumes, secondary smelter operating rates and refined lead prices are influencing scrap procurement. Regulatory requirements governing battery recycling are also supporting the importance of secondary lead in the global supply chain.
Nickel and Stainless Steel Scrap – Stainless Steel Production Trends
Nickel price movements, Indonesian mining policies and global stainless steel production levels are shaping market sentiment. Demand from construction, automotive, engineering and industrial equipment manufacturers influences stainless steel scrap consumption. Changes in nickel availability and mill purchasing activity are directly affecting scrap valuations.
Non-ferrous scrap markets remain influenced by fluctuations in global metal prices, supply constraints, inventory movements and changing industrial demand. Copper, aluminum, brass, zinc, lead, nickel, stainless steel and tin markets are experiencing varying degrees of pressure and support from manufacturing activity, battery recycling, automotive production, infrastructure investments and electronics consumption.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.2045 per pound as of November 12, 2026, modestly lower by around 7¢ (↓1.04%) over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $13,588.00 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Weak trading activity and tepid demand weighed on copper scrap prices this week. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing saw the steepest decline at ↓0.84%, while #2 Copper Wire and Tubing and #1 Copper Bare Bright edged down ↓0.83% and ↓0.81%, respectively.
Charts
The table below highlights the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | −$0.05/lb | -0.81% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | −$0.05/lb | -0.83% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | −$0.05/lb | -0.84% |
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
Copper scrap prices maintained their downward momentum on the Scrap Monster Price Index in the week ended November 12, 2026. #1 Copper Bare Bright recorded a decline of $0.05 per pound, translating into a ↓0.81% week-over-week decrease. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing witnessed an identical $0.05-per-pound drop, down ↓0.83% from the preceding week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing posted the largest weekly percentage loss among the key copper grades, slipping ↓0.84%.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
Copper scrap values weakened further on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week ending Thursday, November 12, 2026. #1 Copper Bare Bright dropped by $0.05 per pound, marking a ↓0.83% decline from the previous week. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also shed $0.05 per pound, translating to a ↓0.84% week-on-week decrease. Among the leading copper grades, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing posted the largest percentage loss, falling ↓0.85% over the week to close at a lower level.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
Copper scrap prices on the U.S. West Coast remained under pressure during the week ending November 12, 2026, according to the Scrap Monster Price Index. #1 Copper Bare Bright declined by $0.05 per pound, representing a ↓0.80% week-on-week drop. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also lost $0.05 per pound, down ↓0.81% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing continued its downward trajectory, recording a ↓0.83% weekly decline.
International Comparison
China ↓0.05% | India ↓3.04%
China Copper Scrap Prices
- Majority of copper scrap categories posted modest declines on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The steepest decline during the week was recorded by Sealed Units, which fell ↓0.56%. Scrap Electric Motors followed closely, posting a week-on-week decline of ↓0.55%.
- Cu/Al Radiators, Copper Transformer Scrap, and #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery were the only categories to remain unchanged.
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded a week-over-week dip on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The commodity to report the biggest fall in prices was Copper sheet cutting, whose prices were down by INR 38,000 per Ton(↓4.12%).
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures closed at USD 3,018.90 per metric ton as of November 12, 2026, modestly lower when compared with the previous week's closing price of USD 3,061.50 per metric ton.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,030.50 per tonne, according to the London Metal Exchange.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Aluminum scrap prices continued to weaken during the week under review, with most major grades registering notable losses on the Scrap Monster Price Index. E.C. Aluminum Wire recorded the largest decline, dropping $0.02 per pound, or ↓1.44% week on week. 6063 Extrusions and Old Cast prices fell by $0.01 per pound each. UBC prices also moved lower, declining $0.01 per pound, equivalent to a ↓1.15% decrease from the previous week's level.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
E.C. Aluminum Wire | −$0.02/lb | -1.44% |
6063 Extrusions | −$0.01/lb | -1.01% |
Old Cast | −$0.01/lb | -1.16% |
UBC | −$0.01/lb | -1.15% |
USA East Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The aluminum scrap market remained on a downward trajectory during the week, with widespread price declines across major grades. E.C. Aluminum Wire led the losses, falling ↓1.44% week on week. Other benchmark grades, including 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast, and UBC, also posted declines, reflecting continued weak demand and subdued market sentiment.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Broad-based weakness pushed aluminum scrap prices lower over the past week, with key benchmark grades posting notable losses. E.C. Aluminum Wire paced the decline, dropping $0.02 per pound (↓1.44%) week-over-week. 6063 Extrusions trailed with a $0.01 per pound (↓1.01%) dip, while Old Cast and UBC each edged down by $0.01 per pound over the same period.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
Data from the Scrap Monster Price Index shows aluminum scrap prices remained under pressure through the week ending November 12, 2026. E.C. Aluminum Wire posted the sharpest pullback, dropping $0.02 per pound week-over-week. 6063 Extrusions and UBC each shed $0.01 per pound, while Old Cast also slipped $0.01 per pound (↓1.15%), extending the broader downturn across the aluminum scrap market.
International Comparison
China ↓1.99% | India ↓0.61%
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 CNY 250 per MT (↓2.33%) and CNY 250 per MT (↓2.24%), repectively.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded a dip on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum utensil scrap and aluminum ingot prices moved lower during the week, with both categories recording an identical decline of INR 2,000 per ton compared with the previous reporting period.
- On a week-on-week basis, Aluminum utensil scrap registered the sharpest decline among the tracked grades, dropping ↓0.62%.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Brass and bronze scrap prices edged lower over the past week, reflecting softness in the market. Yellow Brass declined by $0.02 per pound, marking a ↓0.57% week-on-week decrease. Red Brass also moved lower, losing $0.02 per pound during the same period to finish the week at a lower level.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
Red Brass | −$0.02/lb | -0.54% |
Yellow Brass | −$0.02/lb | -0.57% |
USA East Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, Red Brass prices dropped by $0.02 per Lb as of Thursday, November 12, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted a dip in prices, down by $0.02 per Lb on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the end of the week that ended November 12, 2026, Red Brass prices had dipped by $0.02 per Lb compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week decline, edging lower by $0.02 per Lb (↓0.58%).
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices dipped by $0.02 per pound, marking a ↓0.52% decline from the previous week. Also, Yellow Brass prices moved lower, recording a dip of approximately $0.02 per pound on the Scrap Monster Price Index by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Flat | India ↓1.51%
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week dip on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Brass Cuttings, which was down by INR 7,000 per Ton (↓1.65%)
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a decline of USD 10.35 per Ton (↓0.55%) over the prior week to close at USD 1,885.20 per Ton as of November 12, 2026.
- The closing price of LME Lead 3-month contract was $1,886.50 per metric tonne, as per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices remained unchanged throughout the week, reflecting balanced market conditions and steady supply-demand dynamics. Scrap auto battery prices also showed no movement, ending the week at the same levels as the previous reporting period.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
Scrap Auto Batteries | 0 | Nil |
USA East Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Thursday, November 12, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
Scrap auto battery prices remained stable during the week ending November 12, 2026, with no change recorded compared to the previous week's levels.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, November 12, 2026.
International Comparison
China - Flat | India ↓1.03%
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted a marginal week-on-week decline of CNY 50 per MT each on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- In the meantime, Auto Battery prices recorded no variation from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- The prices of all lead scrap categories in the region edged lower over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Zinc Futures closed at USD 3,723.15 per metric ton as of November 12, 2026, recording a notable decline of USD 73.30 per metric ton (↓1.93%).
- LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,716.00 per tonne
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices weakened during the week under review. New Zinc Die Cast prices slipped by $0.01 per pound, or ↓1.06%, from the previous week, while Old Zinc Die Cast also declined by $0.01 per pound, or ↓1.15%, on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
New Zinc Die Cast | −$0.01/lb | -1.06% |
Old Zinc Die Cast | −$0.01/lb | -1.15% |
USA East Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The price of New Zinc Die Cast on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a decline of ↓1.06% as of Thursday, November 12, 2026. Old Zinc Die Cast also moved lower, falling ↓1.15% from the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
The zinc scrap market moved lower during the week ending November 12, 2026. New Zinc Die Cast declined by ↓1.06% week over week, while Old Zinc Die Cast also slipped by ↓1.15% on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
Zinc scrap prices weakened on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week ended November 12, 2026. New Zinc Die Cast prices fell ↓1.06% from their prior week’s levels, while Old Zinc Die Cast prices declined ↓1.15% over the same period.
International Comparison
China - ↓0.28% | India ↓1.08%
China Zinc Scrap Prices
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a decline of CNY 50 per MT on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price was down by ↓0.28% from the previous week's price during the week ended November 12, 2026.
India Zinc Scrap Prices
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices witnessed a decline of ↓2.16% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Global Steel Demand and Mill Purchasing Activity
Demand for ferrous scrap remains closely linked to steel production and purchasing activity across major markets. Stronger mill order books in the United States are supporting scrap prices, while subdued steel consumption in China and parts of Europe is limiting demand.
Turkish Import Demand and Replacement Buying
Turkey's return to the deep-sea scrap market for November and December cargoes has provided support to international prices. However, weak rebar sales, tight financing conditions and pressure on mill margins continue to restrict aggressive purchasing.
US Domestic Scrap Supply and Seasonal Demand
US ferrous scrap prices are receiving support from stronger mill demand and expectations of tighter winter scrap availability. Weak inbound scrap flows and suppliers holding back material are adding to supply-side pressure, encouraging mills to offer higher purchase prices.
China's Steel Production and Finished Steel Inventories
Weak construction activity and subdued downstream steel consumption in China are weighing on domestic ferrous scrap demand. Elevated finished steel inventories and cautious mill procurement are restricting price recovery, despite occasional improvements in imported scrap quotations.
Freight Rates and International Shipping Costs
Rising ocean freight rates and higher fuel costs are affecting the economics of international ferrous scrap shipments. Increased transportation expenses can push up delivered scrap prices while disrupting trade flows between major exporting regions and importing markets.
Seasonal Scrap Collection and Weather Conditions
Winter conditions can disrupt scrap collection, transportation and processing activities, potentially reducing the availability of marketable ferrous material. Seasonal supply constraints, combined with year-end restocking and mill purchasing requirements, could provide additional price support in selected markets.
The global ferrous scrap market is being shaped by regional steel demand, mill purchasing activity, seasonal supply constraints and fluctuations in iron ore and coking coal prices. While stronger US demand and renewed Turkish import buying are providing support, weak steel consumption in China and Europe, rising freight costs and regulatory uncertainties are influencing overall market sentiment.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of November 12, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $398.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $615.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $390.00 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices edged higher, across all categories. #1 HMS prices saw an increase of $10 per MT. , while Shredded Auto Scrap prices increased $15 per ton, or ↑3.41%. HMS 80/20 prices were up by ↑3.23%, while #1 Busheling witnessed a jump of ↑2.13%.
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.778 million NT during the week ended November 7, 2026. This is down sharply by ↓13.40% week-on-week, but ↑2.90% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 77.0% (compared to 88.9% in the week ending October 31, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-137,000 NT, Great Lakes-509,000 NT, Midwest-326,000 NT, Southern-751,000 NT, Western-55,000 NT
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
#1 HMS | +$10 | +2.67% |
Shredded Auto Scrap | +$15 | +3.41% |
HMS 80/20 | +$10 | +3.23% |
#1 Busheling | +$10 | +2.13% |
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
Ferrous scrap prices edged higher during the week ended November 12, 2026, according to the Scrap Monster Price Index, reflecting renewed market momentum. All major benchmark grades, including #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling, moved higher from the previous week's level.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling all posted week-on-week gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index, reflecting firmer pricing across several key ferrous scrap grades.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
Ferrous scrap prices displayed an upward trend during the week ending November 12, 2026, with all benchmark grades advancing on the Scrap Monster Price Index. #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling all recorded modest week-on-week gains, indicating improved pricing across the broader ferrous scrap market.
International Comparison
China Flat
China Steel Scrap Prices
- All the steel scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap prices remained flat upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Stainless steel scrap prices strengthened during the week ended November 12, 2026, with most major grades recording gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Turning led the advances, posting the strongest week-on-week increase of ↑1.79%. 304 SS Solid prices saw a jump of ↑1.52%.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
304 SS Solid | +$0.01/lb | +1.52% |
USA East Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a jump of ↑1.52% as of Thursday, November 12, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by ↑1.52% during the week ended November 12, 2026. The grade advanced by $0.01 per pound from the previous week's closing level.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, the price of 304 SS Solid increased by ↑1.52% during the week ended November 12, 2026, recording a week-on-week jump of $0.01 per Lb.
International Comparison
China ↑0.87%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All stainless steel scrap categories recorded increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainers: 316 SS Solid ↑1.03%, 309 SS ↑0.98%
Weekly Market Drivers
- U.S. Steel Mill Production- U.S. Steel Output Plunges 13.4% as Mill Utilization Falls to 77%: AISI
- Strike action- German union calls for 24-hour strike in auto, steel sectors
- Iowa Steel Plant- Mesabi Wins Tax Agreeement for $15B Iowa Steel Plant
- Metal Recycling- Nigeria Proposes Scrap Metal Licensing to Curb Theft / Russian Scrap Exports Rise 5% as Turkiye as Turkiye Leads Non-EAEU Demand
- Export/ Import- Mexico Removes 1,100 Steel Mill Registrations / China Steel Exports Fall 6.1% in October 2026 / U.S. Steel Import Permits Fall 11% in October, Finished Steel Rises 3%
- Company Earnings- Steel Dynamics Announces $3 Billion Share Buyback / Tenaris Q3 Profit Rise 15% to $521M as North American Pipe Demand Strengthens
- Site Accident- Turkiye Steel Plant Explosion Kills 17 Workers at HABAS Facility
- Stainless Steel Demand- EU Stainless Steel Demand Stays Weak Despite EU Import Curbs
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Copper: U.S. ↓0.63% – ↓0.86%; China ↓0.05% | India ↓3.04%
Aluminum: U.S.- ↓1.19%; China ↓1.99% | India ↓0.61%
- Brass/Bronze: U.S.- ↓0.56%; China Flat | India ↓1.51%
- Lead: U.S.- Flat; China Flat | India ↓1.03%
- Zinc: U.S.- ↓1.11%; China - ↓0.28% | India ↓1.08%
- Steel: U.S ↑2.86% China Flat
- Stainless Steel: U.S.- ↑1.52% ; China ↑0.87%
Expert Quote:
'There has been an upsurge in Turkish deep-sea scrap buying over the last week for December shipment. Prices paid increased but not as much as the trade expected.' — Stephen Miller – Scrap Market Consultant and Steel Market Update Contributor.
Market Outlook
US Market Expected to Maintain Upward Momentum
The US ferrous scrap market is expected to remain firm in November, supported by stronger steel mill demand, healthy order books and rising finished steel prices. Market participants anticipate further price increases amid limited scrap inflows and seasonal supply constraints.
Turkish Import Demand Likely to Support Global Prices
Turkey's renewed purchasing activity is expected to provide support to international ferrous scrap prices. However, weak rebar demand, tight financing conditions and pressure on steel mill margins could restrict the pace of further price increases.
European Scrap Market Faces Continued Pressure
European ferrous scrap prices are likely to remain under pressure due to weak finished steel demand, reduced electric arc furnace production and limited mill purchasing. Seasonal shutdowns and restrictions on scrap deliveries could further dampen trading activity toward year-end.
China's Market Outlook Remains Cautious
China's ferrous scrap market is expected to experience mixed price movements as subdued construction activity and weak steel consumption weigh on demand. Steel production adjustments, finished steel inventories and export activity will remain important factors determining market direction.
Seasonal Supply Constraints Could Strengthen Prices
Winter weather conditions and year-end collection disruptions are expected to affect scrap availability in major exporting regions. Lower inbound volumes, transportation difficulties and suppliers holding back material could strengthen competition among steel mills for available scrap.
Raw Material Costs to Influence Scrap Competitiveness
Movements in iron ore, coking coal and energy prices will continue to influence steelmakers' production economics and raw material procurement decisions. Higher primary steelmaking costs could improve the relative competitiveness of scrap-based electric arc furnace production, supporting recycled steel consumption.
Overall Outlook: The global ferrous scrap market is expected to remain regionally divided through the remainder of 2026. Stronger US demand and renewed Turkish buying could support prices, while weak European steel consumption and subdued Chinese demand may limit broader market gains. Seasonal supply tightness and rising freight costs could provide additional support toward year-end.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S
- Mon: NY Empire State Manufacturing Index (Nov)
- Tue: US Retail Sales (Oct), Industrial Production (Oct)
- Wed: FOMC Meeting Minutes, Housing Starts and Building Permits (Oct)
- Thu: Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index (Nov), Pending Home Sales (Oct)
Europe (EU & UK)
- Mon: Eurozone Industrial Production (Sep)
- Tue: UK Labour Market and Unemployment Data, Germany ZEW Economic Sentiment Survey (Nov)
- Wed: UK CPI Inflation (Oct), Eurozone Final CPI (Oct)
- Fri: UK Retail Sales (Oct) and S&P Global Flash PMIs (Nov)
Asia & Oceania
- Mon: China Industrial Production, Retail Sales, and Fixed Asset Investment (Oct), Japan Q3 Real GDP
- Tue: Singapore Goods Trade Balance, RBA Meeting Minutes
- Wed: Japan Goods Trade Balance, Exports, and Imports (Oct), Bank Indonesia's Central Bank Policy Rate decision
- Thu: Australian Labour Market Data (Oct)
- Fri: Japan S&P Global Flash PMIs (Nov)
Pricing scope: ScrapMonster proprietary North American scrap data are displayed as verified weekly changes only. Public exchange benchmarks are distinct from scrap buying prices and must be compared by contract, date and unit. The original report's percentages and regional comparisons are retained, with noted discrepancies under editorial review.