Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- May 8-14, 2026
Copper prices led the market higher, with key grades posting gains of up to 29 cents.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report provides a week-on-week assessment of price movements across key North American scrap metal categories, based on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index for the period May 8–14, 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copper scrap prices led the market rally, with major grades climbing by as much as 29 cents.
- Aluminum scrap prices posted widespread gains, reflecting solid near-term demand momentum.
- The brass scrap market recorded modest week-on-week increases.
- Stainless steel scrap prices held steady during the period.
- Steel scrap prices were unchanged, pointing to stable and balanced market fundamentals.
Copper scrap markets maintained a firm week-on-week trend, with most grades posting price gains on the Index. Cu/Al Radiators, Cu/Al Radiator Ends, and Cu/Al Radiators/Fe were the only categories to remain unchanged during the period. The sharpest rise in price was seen in #3 Copper- Light Copper, whose prices surged by $0.29 per Lb (↑4.92%) week-on-week.
Aluminum scrap prices registered a modest week-on-week uptick on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with most listed grades moving higher. All scrap varieties, except Al/Cu Radiators and Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, recorded price increases on the Index.
Brass and bronze scrap prices recorded modest increases on the Index, extending the upward trend witnessed during the prior week. In the meantime, lead scrap markets remained stable, with no price variations reported across key regional markets.
Zinc scrap values inched upward during the week. Additionally, global steel scrap benchmark prices remained stable, reflecting balanced supply and demand conditions in the market.
Similarly, stainless steel scrap prices registered no 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
Energy Transition Demand (Copper, Aluminum, Nickel)
The accelerating buildout of EVs, battery storage, charging networks, and renewable power infrastructure continues to tighten demand for secondary copper, aluminum, and nickel-bearing scrap. Recycled non-ferrous material is increasingly preferred because it offers lower carbon intensity and faster availability than primary mined metal. This is supporting underlying scrap demand globally.Tight Primary Metal Supply and Mining Constraints
Ongoing disruptions in global mining output, permitting delays, declining ore grades, and smelter bottlenecks are limiting primary supply growth. This is pushing consumers toward scrap as a substitute feedstock, especially in copper and aluminum where scrap substitution rates remain high.Volatility in LME/Base Metal Prices
Recent fluctuations in benchmark copper, aluminum, zinc, and nickel prices are creating opportunistic buying and selling behavior. When metal prices rally, scrap collection improves; when prices soften, generators tend to hold back volumes, tightening prompt availability.Scrap Collection Tightness
Collection volumes remain uneven across many regions due to cautious demolition activity, slower industrial replacement cycles, and inventory destocking. Limited obsolete scrap flow is keeping physical premiums elevated.Rising Processing and Logistics Costs
Higher freight, labor, energy, and compliance costs are increasing scrap yard operating expenses. These costs are being passed through into higher offers for processed non-ferrous grades.Circular Economy and ESG Compliance
Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to lower Scope 3 emissions and secure recycled-content inputs. This structural shift is boosting long-term procurement of certified secondary metals and supporting stronger demand visibility for quality non-ferrous scrap.
The non-ferrous scrap market is likely to remain firm but volatile, with copper and aluminum scrap expected to outperform due to stronger structural demand, while nickel and zinc may remain more sentiment-sensitive depending on broader industrial momentum.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.5803 per pound as of May 14, 2026, notably higher by around 40¢ (↑6.55%) over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $13,938.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices moved higher over the past week, supported by sustained positive market sentiment. #1 Copper Bare Bright advanced by ↑4.68%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing posted a ↑4.75% increase. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also registered gains, rising ↑4.83% on the Index.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.29 | +4.68% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.29 | +4.75% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.29 | +4.83% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright climbed by $0.29 per pound as of Thursday, May 14, 2026, reflecting a ↑4.68% weekly increase. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also gained $0.29 per pound, rising ↑4.75% from the prior week, while #2 Copper Wire and Tubing advanced by the same amount, posting a ↑4.83% week-on-week gain by the close of the period.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
As of Thursday, May 14, 2026, the price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.29 per pound, marking a ↑4.83% weekly gain. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also advanced by $0.29 per pound, registering a ↑4.99% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing continued its upward momentum, posting a ↑4.99% week-on-week rise by the close of the week.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index went higher by $0.29 per pound as of Thursday, May 14, 2026, reflecting a weekly increase of ↑4.60%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched higher by $0.29 per pound, registering an upmove by ↑4.68% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices were up by ↑4.75% by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All of the leading copper scrap categories recorded increases on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The top gainers were #2 Copper Wire and Tubing ↑2.34%, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing ↑2.32%, and #1 Copper Bare Bright ↑2.22%
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 sharply by INR 71,000 per Ton(↑8.02%).
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures closed at USD 3,653.00 per metric ton as of May 14, 2026, modestly higher when compared with the previous week's closing price of USD 3,483.23 per metric ton.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,657.50 per tonne, according to the London Metal Exchange.
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a modest uptick in prices, climbing by $0.07 per Lb (↑4.32%) to finish higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week in positive territory, rising $0.04 per Lb week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a gain of $0.03 per Lb (↑3.00%). UBC prices followed the upward trend, recording a $0.03 per Lb increase over the same period.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.07 | +4.32% | |
0.04 | +3.51% | |
0.03 | +3.00% | |
0.03 | +2.97% |
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 $0.07 per Lb (↑4.32%) as of Thursday, May 14, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by $0.04 per Lb compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices increased from the previous week's closing price, rising by $0.03 per Lb (↑3.00%) during the week, while UBC prices also increased by $0.03 per Lb 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 $0.07 per pound(↑4.32%), while 6063 Extrusions climbed $0.04 per Lb (↑3.51%). Old Cast advanced $0.03 per Lb week-on-week, and UBC prices increased by $0.03 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 an increase of $0.07 per Lb (↑4.32%) as of Thursday, May 14, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were up by $0.04 per Lb, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast increased by $0.03 per Lb (↑2.97%). Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week jump by $0.03 per Lb.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded modest increase from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet posted the biggest jumps, rising by CNY 300 per MT (↑1.37%) each.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories edged higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The category to witness the biggest jump was Aluminum utensil scrap, whose prices were up by INR 15,000 per Ton (↑4.17%)
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a jump in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices increased by ↑2.61% during the course of the week. Red Brass closed on a higher note, rising by ↑2.50% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.09 | +2.50% | |
0.09 | +2.61% |
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 rose by ↑2.50% as of Thursday, May 14, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted gains, increasing by ↑2.61% on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ended May 14, 2026, Red Brass prices had risen by ↑2.54% compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week increase, edging up by ↑2.68%.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices rose by $0.09 per pound, marking a ↑2.42% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, Yellow Brass prices also moved higher, gaining ↑2.55% on the Scrap Monster Price Index by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded a slight increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Red Brass and Yellow Brass prices increased by CNY 550 per MT each.
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, which was up by INR 24,000 per Ton (↑5.69%)
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a marginal increase of USD 35.70 per Ton (↑1.80%) over the prior week to close at USD 2,015.65 per Ton as of May 14, 2026.
- The closing price of LME Lead 3-month contract was $2,015.00 per metric tonne, as per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices remained steady throughout the week, reflecting a balanced market with limited changes in supply and demand dynamics. Scrap auto battery prices also remained flat, ending the week at unchanged levels.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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, May 14, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the close of the week ending May 14, 2026, scrap auto battery prices held steady, remaining 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, May 14, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted a marginal week-on-week decline of CNY 100 per MT each on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Also, Auto Battery prices recorded a dip of CNY 50 per MT from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- The prices of all lead scrap categories in the region increased over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Lead ingot prices were up by INR 4,000 per Ton.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Zinc Futures closed at USD 3,484.65 per metric ton as of May 14, 2026, recording a modest increase of USD 133.55 per metric ton (↑3.87%).
- LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,584.50 per tonne
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices edged higher upon comparison with the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.19%. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted a jump of ↑1.41% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +1.19% | |
0.01 | +1.41% |
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 ↑1.19% as of Thursday, May 14, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.41% over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended May 14, 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 ↑1.19% on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, May 14, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices closed at a higher level, recording a jump of ↑1.41% week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a slight increase of CNY 250 per MT 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 notable jump of ↑6.34% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steel Production Growth
The global shift toward scrap-based steelmaking through Electric Arc Furnaces is a major structural demand driver. Steelmakers are increasing EAF capacity to reduce carbon emissions and comply with decarbonization targets, supporting sustained ferrous scrap consumption.Balanced but Softening Mill Demand
Recent market activity shows stable-to-slightly softer mill buying interest in major regions like the U.S. and Europe. Mills are purchasing cautiously due to uncertain finished steel order books, limiting aggressive scrap price upside in the near term.Tight Scrap Collection Flows
Seasonal weather disruptions, lower demolition activity, and slower industrial replacement cycles continue to restrict obsolete scrap generation. Tight collection volumes are supporting price floors despite uneven steel demand.Turkish Import Market Influence
Turkey remains the benchmark seaborne ferrous scrap buyer. Turkish booking activity, pricing negotiations, and steel export competitiveness strongly influence global sentiment and near-term price direction.Freight and Logistics Cost Pressure
Elevated freight rates, shipping disruptions, and inland transport cost inflation are raising delivered scrap costs globally. These pressures are supporting firmer offer prices even during periods of moderate demand.Steel Price and Inventory Sentiment
Scrap pricing remains closely tied to finished steel margins and inventory restocking cycles. When steel prices improve, mills rebuild scrap inventories quickly; when margins compress, purchasing slows sharply, creating volatility.
The ferrous scrap market is expected to remain rangebound but firm, supported by structural EAF demand growth and tight physical availability, while weaker finished steel pricing and cautious mill procurement may limit sharp upward price spikes.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of May 14, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $416.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $600.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $390.60 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices remained largely unchanged week on week, reflecting a stable and balanced market environment. #1 HMS held steady at the previous week’s level, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also recorded no price movement during the period.
According to American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.880 million NT during the week ended May 9, 2026. This is ↑1.3% week-on-week and ↑9.3% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 81.4% (compared to 80.4% in the week ending May 2, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-140,000 NT, Great Lakes-522,000 NT, Midwest-309,000 NT, Southern-842,000 NT, Western-67,000 NT
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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, May 14, 2026, prices for #1 HMS on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady compared with the prior week. Likewise, Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 showed no week-on-week movement, while #1 Busheling remained stable over the same period.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
As of Thursday, May 14, 2026, #1 HMS prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index remained unchanged from the previous week. Similarly, Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 recorded no price movement, while #1 Busheling continued to trade at levels consistent with the prior week.
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 reported no variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices held steady on a week-on-week basis, by recovering all the losses towards the end of the week.
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 change as of Thursday, May 14, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices witnessed no fluctuation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity held steady during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no movement. The prices were flat during the week ended Thursday, May 14, 2026.
International Comparison
China ↓0.41%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All of the stainless steel scrap categories recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: 201 SS ↓0.77%, 316 SS Solid ↓0.63%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- U.S. Steel Mill Production- U.S. Weekly Raw Steel Output Jumps 9.3% Y-on-Y: AISI
- Agreements/ Acquisitions - Nippon Steel assumes USSK direct ownership, eyes growth / Tenaris to acquire Artrom Steel Tubes plant in Romania
- Nationalization- China urges caution over British Steel nationalisation plan / Britain Will Nationalize its Last Major Steel Mill, Prime Minister Says
- Site Demolition- Amazon Starts Demolition of Central Steel Site for New Chicago Delivery Hub
- Industry Awards/Recognitions- AISI Unveils 2026 Institute Medal, Market Leadership Honorees
- Steel Output- New welding robots boost steel output at Blytheville plant
- Green Steel- Tata Steel Nederland, EU Partners Drive Green Steel for EVs
- Scrap metal - Provincial chamber of commerce supports local solution to scrap metal theft problem / Man Sentenced for Evading Tax on Stolen Scrap Metal, DOJ Says
- Earnings/Results- Nippon Steel expects $1.4 billion fiscal year profit as one-off items fade / Algoma Steel Q1 Net Loss Widens, Completes Historic EAF Transition
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“The scrap market remains largely sideways, with domestic mills showing little urgency to chase tons higher, while exporters continue to watch Turkish demand for clearer price direction.”
— Stephen Miller, editor and market analyst at Steel Market Update, weekly ferrous market commentary (May 2026)
Market Outlook
Stable Domestic Mill Buying Likely to Continue
Mill procurement activity remained disciplined last week, with most buyers purchasing only to meet immediate production requirements. This cautious approach is expected to persist in the near term unless finished steel order books improve materially, keeping scrap price movement relatively contained.Rangebound Pricing Environment
The market showed little volatility during the previous week, suggesting prices are likely to remain within a narrow trading range over the next several weeks. Balanced supply-demand fundamentals are preventing sharp upward or downward corrections.Turkish Import Activity Will Remain a Key Benchmark
Global ferrous scrap sentiment continues to be heavily influenced by Turkish deep-sea bookings. If Turkish mills increase buying volumes, international prices could strengthen quickly; continued selective purchasing would reinforce sideways pricing.- Seasonal Scrap Flow Tightening Could Support Prices
As summer approaches in key Northern Hemisphere markets, scrap collection may tighten due to reduced industrial generation and logistical constraints. Lower inflows could lend modest support to pricing. - Export Competition May Pressure Regional Pricing
Competitive scrap offers from Europe and Asia could pressure U.S. and other exporters to remain price competitive. This may limit upside momentum in export-linked domestic markets. - EAF Production Growth Provides Structural Support
The ongoing expansion of Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking globally continues to underpin medium-term scrap demand fundamentals. This decarbonization-driven shift should support market resilience despite short-term fluctuations.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S
- FOMC Minutes (Wed)
- US Housing Starts (Thu)
Europe
- Eurozone Industrial Production (Mon)
- UK Labor Market Data (Tue)
- UK CPI Data-April (Wed)
- Preliminary PMI (May)-Germany and Eurozone (Thu)
- UK Retail Sales- April (Fri)
Asia
- Japan Q1 GDP-Prelim (Tue)
- PBoC Meeting (Mid-week)
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