Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- April 24-30, 2026
Brass and bronze scrap prices posted modest declines on the Index, reversing the upward trend witnessed during the previous week.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report provides a week-on-week analysis of price trends across key scrap metal categories in North America, drawing on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index for April 24–30, 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Key copper scrap categories recorded a modest decline during the week.
- Aluminum scrap prices witnessed a broad-based drop, driven by weakening downstream demand.
- The brass scrap market registered a slight week-on-week decrease.
- Stainless steel scrap prices edged higher on the Index.
- Steel scrap prices remained stable, reflecting balanced market conditions.
Copper scrap markets remained under pressure, with most major grades posting declines. The steepest drop was seen in Cu Yokes, which fell by $0.01 per pound (↓0.76%). Prices for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #3 Light Copper also moved lower over the week.
Aluminum scrap prices posted a modest week-on-week decline of nearly ↓2% on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with the majority of listed grades trending lower. Nearly all categories recorded price drops, except for Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, Aluminum Radiators/Fe, and Aluminum Transformers, which held steady.
Brass and bronze scrap prices posted modest declines on the Index, reversing the upward trend witnessed during the previous week. In the meantime, lead scrap markets remained stable, with no price variations reported across major markets around the world.
Zinc scrap prices declined week-on-week across key regions. Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices held steady, indicating a balance between supply and demand.
Similarly, stainless steel scrap prices registered slight upward movement on the Index during the week under review.
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
Weak Secondary Smelter Demand
Across aluminum, copper, and zinc scrap, a synchronized price decline usually reflects reduced intake from secondary smelters. Lower operating rates or cautious procurement suggest softer order books in downstream sectors such as automotive, construction, and appliances.
Scrap Oversupply & Yard Liquidation
Falling prices often trigger accelerated selling from scrap yards and collectors, especially if inventories were built during prior bullish phases. This creates short-term oversupply pressure, pushing prices down across multiple grades.
Primary Metal Price Correction
Non-ferrous scrap prices are tightly coupled with exchange-traded benchmarks like the London Metal Exchange. A decline in primary aluminum or copper prices typically:
- compresses scrap spreads
- reduces willingness of buyers to pay premiums
This alignment reinforces bearish sentiment.
Export Demand Softness
Key importing regions—particularly in Asia—play a decisive role. A slowdown in buying from markets such as:
- China
- India
- Malaysia
can lead to inventory buildup in exporting regions, forcing sellers to lower prices to remain competitive.
Seasonal Demand Transition
Certain periods (post-quarter close or pre-summer slowdown) often see:
- reduced industrial activity
- deferred procurement
This cyclical lull can weaken scrap demand temporarily, especially in construction-linked metals like aluminum and copper.
Policy & Trade Uncertainty
Regulatory signals—such as export restrictions, environmental inspections, or import quota adjustments—can quickly shift market behavior. Uncertainty leads to:
- cautious buying
- delayed contracts
which suppresses prices in the near term until clarity emerges.
Taken together, these drivers point to a transitional market phase:
- Near term → soft bias due to demand hesitation and supply pressure
- Medium term → stabilization depends on industrial recovery and export demand normalization
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.0235 per pound as of April 30, 2026, slightly down by nearly 12¢ (↓1.94%) over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $12,987.00 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices reported overall weak trend. #1 Copper Bare Bright dropped by 3¢ (↓0.51%), while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also recorded dips, falling by 3¢ per pound on the Index.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.03 | -0.51% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.03 | -0.52% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.03 | -0.52% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright dropped by $0.03 per pound as of Thursday, April 30, 2026, marking a weekly loss of ↓0.51%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also decreased by $0.03 per pound, down ↓0.52% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing declined by $0.03 per pound, registering a ↓0.52% fall by week’s end.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index edged lower by $0.03 per pound as of Thursday, April 30, 2026, a weekly decline of ↓0.52%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing reported a decline by $0.03 per pound, registering a dip by ↓0.53% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had dropped by $0.03 (↓0.54%).
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index went down by $0.03 per pound as of Thursday, April 30, 2026, reflecting a weekly decline of ↓0.50%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched lower by $0.03 per pound, registering a downward movement by ↓0.51% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices were down by $0.03 (↓0.52%) by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All the leading copper scrap categories recorded declines on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The top losers were #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, with prices of both these commodities down by CNY 1,400 per MT each on a weekly basis.
- The least decline was reported in Copper Transformer Scrap, whose prices recorded a dip of CNY 100 per MT week-on-week.
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded slight week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The commodity to report the biggest dip in prices was Copper sheet cutting, whose prices fell by INR 8,000 per Ton (↓0.95%).
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures recorded a dip of USD 136.02 (↓3.76%) over the week to close at USD 3,483.50 per metric ton as of April 30, 2026.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,474.00 per tonne, according to the London Metal Exchange.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a modest decline in prices, falling by $0.04 per Lb (↑↓2.42%) to finish lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week on a weak note, dropping $0.02 per Lb week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a dip of $0.02 per Lb (↓1.94%). UBC prices followed the weak market trend, recording a decline of $0.02 per Lb over the previous week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.04 | -2.42% | |
0.02 | -1.71% | |
0.02 | -1.94% | |
0.02 | -1.92% |
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 decline of $0.04 per Lb (↓2.42%) as of Thursday, April 30, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged lower by $0.02 per Lb compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices decreased from the previous week's closing price, falling by $0.02 per Lb (↓1.94%) during the week, while UBC prices also fell by $0.02 per Lb on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices posted declines over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices dropped by $0.04 per pound, while 6063 Extrusions edged lower by $0.02 per Lb (↓1.71%). Old Cast prices saw a dip of $0.02 per Lb week-on-week, and UBC prices decreased by $0.02 per Lb during the same period.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a fall of $0.04 per Lb as of Thursday, April 30, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were down by $0.02 per Lb, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast dropped by $0.02 per Lb (↓1.92%). Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week decline by $0.02 per Lb.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded modest decline from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet posted the biggest dips, falling by CNY 400 per MT (↓1.79%) each.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories edged higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum utensil scrap prices were up by INR 2,000 per Ton (↑0.55%)
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a slight decline in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices recorded a dip of $0.01 per Lb (↓0.30%) during the course of the week . Red Brass closed on a lower note, posting a decline of $0.01 per Lb during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | -0.28% | |
0.01 | -0.30% |
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
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, Red Brass prices dropped by $0.01 per Lb as of Thursday, April 30, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted dip in prices, down by $0.01 per Lb on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ended April 30, 2026, Red Brass prices had dipped by $0.01 per Lb compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week decline, edging lower by $0.01 per Lb (↓0.31%).
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices dipped by $0.01 per pound, marking a ↓0.28% decline from the previous week. Also, Yellow Brass prices moved lower, recording a dip of approximately $0.01 per pound on the Scrap Monster Price Index by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded slight decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Both Red Brass and Yellow Brass prices were down by CNY 250 per MT.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories saw modest dips on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The top loser was Brass Cuttings, whose prices saw a reduction by INR 6,000 per Ton (↓1.45%)
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a marginal decline of USD 6.48 per Ton (↓0.33%) over the prior week to close at USD 1,953.65 per Ton as of April 30, 2026.
- The closing price of LME Lead 3-month contract was $1,955.50 per metric tonne, as per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices remained stable over the week, indicating a well-balanced market with minimal shifts in supply and demand. Scrap auto battery prices also showed no movement, closing the week at unchanged levels.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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, April 30, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ending April 30, 2026, Scrap Auto Batteries prices remained unchanged from the previous week.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, April 30, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted no week-over-week variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Also, Auto Battery prices recorded no change from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- The prices of all lead scrap categories in the region held steady over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Zinc Futures closed at USD 3,368.40 per metric ton as of April 30, 2026, recording a modest decline by USD 94.60 per metric ton (↓2.73%).
- LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,361.00 per tonne
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices were down over the past week, with all categories reporting decline from the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices edged lower by $0.01 per Lb. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices recorded a similar dip in prices, falling by $0.01 per Lb during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | -1.18% | |
0.01 | -1.39% |
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 dip by $0.01 per Lb as of Thursday, April 30, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were down by $0.01 per Lb over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ending April 30, 2026, prices for both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast declined by $0.01 per lb compared to the previous week.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed week-over-week dip of $0.01 per Lb on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, April 30, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were down by $0.01 per Lb week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a decline of CNY 200 per MT on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price were down slightly by ↓1.20% from the previous week's price during the week ended April 30, 2026.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a modest decline of INR 4,000 per Ton (↓1.14%)over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Subdued Steel Demand (Near-term softness)
Global steel demand recovery remains modest in 2026, with only marginal growth expected before stronger expansion later .
- This translates into cautious scrap buying by mills
- Immediate effect: price pressure / sideways trend
Divergence Between Regions (West strong, Asia weak)
Recent trends show:
- EU & US markets strengthening (higher steel prices, trade protection)
- Asian markets sluggish (weak margins, production cuts)
This creates fragmented scrap demand, limiting global price upside.
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Expansion
New EAF capacity—especially in North America and emerging markets—is:
- increasing structural demand for high-quality scrap
- intensifying competition for prime grades
Medium-term bullish structural driver, even if short-term demand is uneven.
Trade Policies & Import Restrictions
Policy shifts are actively reshaping flows:
- tariffs and safeguards reducing steel imports in the EU
- multiple countries restricting scrap exports to secure domestic supply
Outcome: localized tightness + global imbalance in scrap availability
Raw Material Price Competition (Iron Ore vs Scrap)
Declining or stable iron ore prices can:
- reduce incentive to use scrap in BOF (blast furnace) routes
- pressure scrap demand in integrated mills
Acts as a cap on scrap price rallies in the medium term.
Decarbonization & “Green Steel” Push
Scrap is central to low-carbon steelmaking:
- recycling reduces emissions significantly
- governments and producers are prioritizing scrap usage
Demand for scrap is expected to increase structurally over time as sustainability targets tighten
Medium-term strong bullish driver
Bottom-Line Market Structure
Immediate term (0–3 months):
- Soft to rangebound pricing
- Demand hesitation + regional imbalance
Medium term (3–12 months):
- Gradual tightening driven by:
- EAF expansion
- decarbonization demand
- policy-driven supply constraints
Bottom-Line Market Structure
Immediate term (0–3 months):
- Soft to rangebound pricing
- Demand hesitation + regional imbalance
Medium term (3–12 months):
- Gradual tightening driven by:
- EAF expansion
- decarbonization demand
- policy-driven supply constraints
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of April 30, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $417.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $605.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $390.00 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices showed little week-on-week movement, indicating a stable and balanced market backdrop. #1 HMS remained at previous week levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also experienced no notable price changes during the period.
According to American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.830 million NT during the week ended April 25, 2026. This is ↓1.00% week-on-week and ↑8.7% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 79.3% (compared to 80.0% in the week ending April 18, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-131,000 NT, Great Lakes-510,000 NT, Midwest-302,000 NT, Southern-821,000 NT, Western-66,000 NT
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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
As of Thursday, April 30, 2026, #1 HMS prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index remained in line with the previous week. Similarly, Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 recorded no week-on-week changes, while #1 Busheling prices stayed stable throughout the period.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
As of Thursday, April 30, 2026, #1 HMS prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Shredded Auto Scrap also remained unchanged from the previous period, while HMS 80/20 showed no movement. Likewise, #1 Busheling prices stayed in line with prior week levels.
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
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices reported positive variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices edged higher on a week-on-week basis, recording a jump of $0.02 per Lb (↑2.90%).
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | +2.90% |
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 a slight increase of $0.02 per Lb as of Thursday, April 30, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices witnessed modest increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity edged higher by $0.02 per Lb during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded upward movement. The prices were up by $0.02 per Lb during the week ended Thursday, April 30, 2026.
International Comparison
China ↑2.92%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All of the stainless steel scrap categories recorded increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top gainer: 201 SS- up by CNY 300 per MT (↑4.76%)
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- U.S. Steel Mill Production- U.S. Steel Output Up 8.7% YoY Despite Weekly Dip
- Global Steel Output - World Steel Output Drops 4.2% in March 2026: worldsteel
- Agreements/Deals - Entergy, HYUNDAI-POSCO Louisiana Steel sign electric service agreement for $5.8B steel mill in Louisiana
- Mill capacity addition - U.S. Steel to Boost Capacity with $1.9B DRI Facility in Arkansas
- Tariff - U.S. Links Tariff Relief to Domestic Steel Capacity / US Opens Path to Cut Mexico's Steel, Aluminum Tariffs / EU trade chief seeks ''positive traction on US steel tariffs
- Scrap metal trade - EU widens Russia sanctions to scrap, metal goods
- Logistics/Transport - Union Pacific settles dispute with rail supplier, reaches 7-year agreement
- Import/ Export Trade - U.S. Steel Imports Post March Growth, Continue Yearly Slide
- Policy Actions - Mexico to Prioritize National Steel Sourcing in Public Works
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“Flows into shredders have improved… shredders will need to lower pricing to have mills start buying constantly again,” said a market participant in a CRU Group survey.
Market Outlook
Near-Term Demand Caution from Steel Mills
In the immediate term, mills are maintaining hand-to-mouth buying strategies due to uncertain order books. This keeps scrap demand subdued and price-sensitive, limiting upside momentum.
Seasonal Softness Followed by Gradual Recovery
Short-term demand may remain weak due to seasonal slowdowns and project delays, but activity is expected to improve gradually as construction and manufacturing cycles pick up in the coming quarters.
Supply-Side Fluidity (Scrap Flows Increasing)
Improved collection rates and higher inflows into yards and shredders are increasing available supply. This creates downward pressure in the near term, especially if mill demand does not absorb volumes.
Export Market Volatility
Key export hubs (e.g., Turkey, Southeast Asia) remain highly price-sensitive. Freight costs, currency moves, and geopolitical risks can quickly shift buying patterns, making export-driven pricing volatile.
Raw Material Competition (Iron Ore vs Scrap)
In blast furnace-based regions, competitive iron ore prices may reduce scrap usage. This caps demand growth for scrap in certain markets, especially where BOF production dominates.
Regional Market Divergence
- U.S./Europe: Supported by trade measures and relatively stable steel production
- Asia: Facing weaker margins and slower industrial demand
This divergence leads to price fragmentation and uneven trade flows globally.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S
- Factory orders- March (Mon)
- ISM Services Index April (Tue)
- March PCE (Thu)
Europe
- Euro-area Q1 GDP (Thu)
- April inflation (Thu)
- BOE Interest Rates (Thu)
Asia
- Bank of Japan Interest rates (Tue)
- Australian CPI (Wed)
- Tokyo CPI (Fri)
Daily Reports | Scrap Monster Price Index | US Scrap Metal Prices
Register now for free daily alerts → Sign Up
Related Resources
Copper Scrap Prices | Aluminum Scrap Prices | Steel Scrap Prices | Brass Scrap Prices | Scrap Yard Directory | Company Directory | Daily Market Report
Full pricing details, yard finder, market analysis, and live price charts available at ScrapMonster.com. Trusted by 100,000+ recycling professionals. Sign up for daily alerts—your competitive edge starts here.
Subscribe to Scrap Monster Live Scrap Prices