Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- March 6-12, 2026
Almost every listed grade recorded an improvement from the prior week, with Aluminum Transformers emerging as the top performer after registering a 4.55% increase.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report provides a summary of week-over-week price movements for key scrap metal categories in North America, using data from the Scrap Monster Price Index for the period of March 6-12, 2026.
Copper scrap markets posted a generally firm week-over-week performance, as most grades registered price increases. Still, a small number of categories remained unchanged on the Index. The biggest advances were recorded by Sealed Units, Starters, and Scrap Electric Motors. Among them, Sealed Units and Starters delivered the most notable gains, with each climbing 2.33% compared with the previous week.
Aluminum scrap values also moved upward across the Scrap Monster Price Index. Almost every listed grade recorded an improvement from the prior week, with Aluminum Transformers emerging as the top performer after registering a 4.55% increase.
Prices for brass and bronze scrap rebounded modestly on the Index, reversing the softer momentum observed during the preceding week. Meanwhile, lead scrap markets showed stability, with no notable price fluctuations reported across key global trading hubs.
Zinc scrap values inched upward during the week. In contrast, international steel scrap benchmark prices remained flat, suggesting relatively balanced market fundamentals between supply and demand.
Stainless steel scrap prices showed no movement on the Index throughout the review period.
Scrap metal markets mostly saw upward momentum this week, with several categories recording gains while a few remained unchanged. Aluminum and non-ferrous scrap led the overall increase, whereas lead and stainless steel showed stable prices. Global steel benchmarks held steady, reflecting balanced supply-demand conditions. Overall, the market displayed a modest positive trend across most segments.
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: Copper scrap demand is being driven by industrial and construction activity, as well as the growing electric vehicle and electronics sectors. Supply-side constraints such as smelter outages and import restrictions have increased reliance on recycled copper, while prices continue to follow global LME copper trends.
Aluminum Scrap: The aluminum scrap market is supported by lightweighting trends in automotive and aerospace manufacturing, alongside strong energy efficiency incentives for recycling. Circular economy policies and sustainability initiatives further boost demand, keeping most aluminum scrap grades on an upward trend.
Brass and Bronze Scrap: Brass and bronze scrap consumption is largely tied to construction, plumbing, and electrical applications. Export demand and substitution trends influence local pricing, while overall demand remains stable due to consistent industrial usage.
Zinc Scrap: Zinc scrap is mainly driven by galvanization requirements in construction and industrial manufacturing. Its pricing is sensitive to global zinc market movements, and seasonal construction cycles also contribute to short-term demand fluctuations.
Lead Scrap: Lead scrap markets are dominated by battery recycling, which ensures steady consumption. Regulatory pressures on proper disposal and recycling practices maintain consistent supply streams, keeping prices largely stable.
Stainless Steel Scrap: Demand for stainless steel scrap is linked to the production of high-grade alloys and trends in global stainless steel output. Improved sorting and recycling technologies help maintain steady supply and stable market conditions.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices moved higher over the past week on improved market sentiment, with #1 Copper Bare Bright prices moving higher by ↑0.52. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing climbed on the Index, up by ↑0.53%, while #2 Copper Wire and Tubing inched up by ↑0.54%.
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 | 0.03 | +0.52% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.03 | +0.53% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.03 | +0.54% |
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Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.03 per pound as of Thursday, March 12, 2026, a weekly jump of ↑0.52%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing went higher by $0.03 per pound, registering an increase by ↑0.53% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had recorded a rise by ↑0.54% , moving higher by $0.03 per pound on the Index.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index inched up by $0.03 per pound as of Thursday, March 12, 2026, a weekly jump of ↑0.54%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing edged higher by $0.03 per pound, registering an increase by ↑0.55% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had edged higher by ↑0.56%.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.03 per pound as of Thursday, March 12, 2026, a weekly increase of ↑0.51%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched higher by $0.03 per pound, registering a jump by ↑0.52% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices had recorded an increase by ↑0.53% as at the end of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All of the leading copper scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- A few categories reported jump in prices. The top gainers were Heater Cores ↑0.37%, Cu Yokes ↑0.26%, and Harness Wire 35% Recovery ↑0.26%
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The commodity to report the biggest surge in prices was Copper sheet cutting, whose prices were up by ↑1.86%
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a notable uptick in prices, climbing sharply by ↑3.92% to finish higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week in positive territory, rising ↑2.73% week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a moderate gain of ↑3.09%. UBC prices followed the upward trend, recording a ↑3.06% increase over the same period.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.06 | +3.92% | |
0.03 | +2.73% | |
0.03 | +3.09% | |
0.03 | +3.06% |
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 E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a jump of ↑3.92% as of Thursday, March 12, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by ↑2.73% compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices increased from the previous week's closing price of $0.97, edging higher by ↑3.09% during the week, while UBC prices also increased by ↑3.06% on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices showed gains over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire rose by $0.06 per pound, while 6063 Extrusions climbed ↑2.78%. Old Cast advanced ↑3.19% week-on-week, and UBC prices increased by ↑3.13% during the same period.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded an increase of ↑3.92% as of Thursday, March 12, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were up by ↑2.73%, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast increased by $0.03 per Lb. Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week jump by ↑3.03%.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded increase from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet posted the biggest jumps, rising by ↑4.46% each. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by ↑2.48%, while, prices of 6063 Extrusions were up modestly by ↑2.46% on the Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories increased on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum utensil scrap prices surged, recording a week-on-week rise of ↑3.69% from last week’s levels.
- The price of Aluminum ingot scrap also were up by ↑3.59% during the week ended March 12, 2026.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a jump in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices increased by ↑0.91% during the course of the week . Red Brass closed on a higher note, rising by ↑0.87% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.03 | +0.87% | |
0.03 | +0.91% |
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
The price of Red Brass on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded an increase of ↑0.87% as of Thursday, March 12, 2026. Yellow Brass prices also jumped higher by ↑0.91% on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended March 12, 2026, the price of Red Brass had recorded a jump of ↑0.89%, upon comparison with the beginning of the week. Additionally, Yellow Brass prices edged higher by ↑0.94% week-on-week.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass went higher by $0.03 per pound, witnessing a jump of ↑0.84% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Yellow Brass had increased by ↑0.89% on the Index.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainer: Brass Cuttings ↑1.00%
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap held steady throughout the week, reflecting a balanced market with little change in supply or demand. Scrap Auto Battery prices remained flat, ending the week unchanged.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
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 on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Thursday, March 12, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended March 12, 2026, the price of Scrap Auto Batteries maintained previous week’s price level.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, March 12, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted no variation week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Additionally, Auto Battery prices recorded no variation from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories in the region recorded no variation in prices over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices edged higher upon comparison with the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.20%. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted a jump of ↑1.43% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +1.20% | |
0.01 | +1.43% |
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 a jump by ↑1.20% as of Thursday, March 12, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.43% over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended March 12, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded increase from the previous week’s price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed week-over-week jump of ↑1.20% on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, March 12, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices closed at a higher level, recording a jump of ↑1.43% week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded no variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a modest jump of ↑0.62% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Domestic Steel Mill Production Levels
Ferrous scrap demand is directly tied to steel mill activity. Mills operating at full capacity consume more scrap for electric arc furnace (EAF) production, while maintenance shutdowns or reduced operating rates create temporary oversupply and weaken prices.Global Steel and Iron Ore Prices
Scrap competes with virgin iron sources, so fluctuations in global steel or iron ore prices heavily influence scrap demand. Rising steel prices or costly iron ore make scrap more attractive, boosting local scrap procurement.Automotive & Industrial Fabrication Demand
The scrap market is affected by production cycles in the automotive and machinery sectors. Higher output of vehicles and industrial equipment increases both in-house scrap generation and secondary market demand.Export Demand & Trade Policies
Strong international demand, particularly from Asian markets, can tighten domestic supply and lift prices. Tariffs, quotas, or shipping restrictions also directly impact trade flows, influencing scrap availability and regional pricing trends.- Quality & Grading Standards
Premium scrap grades, like HMS 1 & 2, are more sensitive to quality specifications. Higher demand for cleaner, sorted scrap or compliance with mill-specific grades can create price differentials within the market. - Transportation, Freight, and Logistical Bottlenecks
Shipping delays, fuel cost fluctuations, and port congestion can directly affect scrap availability. Higher freight costs or disrupted supply chains may temporarily raise local prices, while smooth logistics support stable market movement.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices showed little movement over the past week, indicating a calm and balanced market. #1 HMS stayed at last week’s levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling similarly remained flat throughout the period.
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
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 HMS held steady as of Thursday, March 12, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 also saw no week-on-week change, while #1 Busheling remained firm throughout the period.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held firm on the Scrap Monster Price Index, showing no change over the week. Shredded Auto Scrap also finished the week at its opening level, while HMS 80/20 remained steady. Similarly, #1 Busheling saw no week-on-week variation for the period ending March 12, 2026.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
On Thursday, March 12, 2026, #1 HMS prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Shredded Auto Scrap finished the week at the same level as the previous period, with HMS 80/20 also showing no change. Likewise, #1 Busheling prices remained consistent with last week’s figures.
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: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices witnessed no variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices were flat on a week-on-week basis.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
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
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no fluctuation as of Thursday, March 12, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered no variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity remained flat during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded flat trend, remaining unchanged during the week ended Thursday, March 12, 2026.
International Comparison
China ↓0.42%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All of the stainless steel scrap categories recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: 201 SS ↓0.81%, 304 SS Turning ↓0.45%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Steel Mill Production- U.S. Weekly Raw Steel Production Up 5.2% Y0Y
- Market Demand/Supply- Global Steel and Stainless Steel Demand Is Growing- Stainless Espresso
- Safety Measures- ArcelorMittal Highlights Safety Progress in 2025 Annual Report
- Policy Actions/Trade Measures- Borderlands Mexico: Authorities move to cancel permits for 350 Mexican steel importers
- Steel Import/Export- U.S. Experiences 30% Decline in Steel Imports
- Tariffs/Quotas- Mexico to Push Steel, Auto Tariff Cuts in USMCA Talks
- Site Redevelopment- Minth Group to Redevelop Former Republic Steel Facility in Alabama
- Steel Mill Earnings- Algoma Steel 2025 Earnings Impacted by Reduced Steel Shipments
- Ferrous Scrap Market- Global Ferrous Scrap Markets Post Mixed Trends in Feb 2026
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“Ferrous scrap prices showed limited movement over the past week, reflecting cautious buying by steel mills and steady supply conditions across the market,” said Ryan McKinley, Senior Ferrous Trader at Sims Metal.
Market Outlook
- Stable Pricing Likely in the Short Term
Based on the past week’s trend of minimal price movement, ferrous scrap markets are expected to remain relatively stable in the near term. Balanced supply and steady mill procurement are likely to keep price fluctuations limited unless a significant demand shift occurs. - Steel Mill Purchasing to Remain Cautious
Steel producers are likely to continue purchasing scrap in line with immediate production needs rather than building large inventories. This cautious procurement strategy may limit sudden price increases in the short term. - Construction Sector Activity to Influence Demand
Infrastructure and construction projects will remain a key driver for steel production and scrap consumption. Stronger construction activity could gradually lift ferrous scrap demand. - Scrap Supply Expected to Stay Adequate
Collection and supply flows appear stable for now, suggesting sufficient availability of ferrous scrap in the market. Adequate supply may continue to cap major price spikes in the near term. - Global Steel Market Conditions to Guide Price Direction
Trends in global steel production and raw material markets will remain critical for ferrous scrap pricing. Any improvement in steel demand or production levels could lead to stronger scrap purchasing in the coming weeks.
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