North American Scrap Metal Prices: Copper Leads Broad Gains as Steel Holds Firm — Week Ended August 6, 2026
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This market update, for the week of July 31–August 6, 2026, tracks pricing performance across the major segments of the North American scrap metal industry. Based on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index, the report assesses weekly price fluctuations, notable market trends, and the supply, demand, and industry developments influencing scrap values and trading sentiment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copper scrap extended its upward momentum during the week, with every tracked grade on the Scrap Monster Price Index posting price gains.
- Aluminum scrap exhibited a mixed pricing pattern, as most grades advanced while a limited number remained unchanged over the reporting period.
- Brass scrap values edged higher from the previous week, supported by consistent buying interest and balanced market fundamentals, reflecting stable demand across the North American market.
- Steel scrap pricing was largely unchanged, with firm mill demand and sufficient scrap availability helping maintain market stability, though a handful of grades registered modest weekly declines.
- Stainless steel scrap prices remained flat, with all monitored grades holding steady throughout the week.
Copper scrap emerged as the top-performing segment during the week, with every tracked grade on the Index registering higher prices. Cu/Al Radiator Ends led the gains with a ↑7.69% week-on-week increase, followed by Xmas Lights, which climbed ↑6.06% over the same period.
Aluminum scrap prices generally moved upward, as the majority of monitored grades recorded weekly gains on the Index. The only categories that remained unchanged were Aluminum Radiators, Aluminum Radiators/Fe, and Aluminum Transformers, while all other grades posted increases.
Brass and bronze scrap maintained their positive trajectory, with most benchmark grades extending their weekly gains. The continued improvement reflected healthy demand fundamentals and stable trading conditions, reinforcing the strength observed in the previous reporting period.
Lead scrap prices strengthened across the board, with all key grades recording week-over-week advances in major North American markets, driven by sustained purchasing activity and improving market fundamentals.
Zinc scrap finished the week on a firmer note, as benchmark grades posted moderate gains in North American regional markets. Among them, New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast registered notable price increases compared with the previous week.
Meanwhile, steel scrap prices showed limited movement overall. Most benchmark grades held steady during the reporting period, although #1 HMS and Structural Steel recorded modest week-over-week declines.
In the meantime, Stainless steel scrap prices remained unchanged throughout the week, with all monitored grades on the Index holding at their previous levels.
For full market breakdowns, visit the Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub or track real-time prices via the US Scrap Price Index.
NON-FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
- Strength in Refined Copper Prices — Higher benchmark copper prices on global exchanges continued to support copper scrap valuations. Rising refined copper prices improved scrap replacement values, encouraging stronger buying interest across major copper scrap grades.
- Healthy Demand from Secondary Smelters — Secondary smelters and refiners maintained steady procurement of copper, brass, lead, and aluminum scrap to meet production requirements. Consistent industrial demand helped sustain upward price momentum across several non-ferrous scrap categories.
- Stable Manufacturing and Fabrication Activity — Demand from wire and cable producers, foundries, automotive component manufacturers, and metal fabricators remained resilient, supporting consumption of copper, brass, bronze, and aluminum scrap despite broader economic uncertainties.
- Lead Market Supported by Battery Recycling Demand — Robust demand from the lead-acid battery recycling sector continued to underpin lead scrap prices. Strong replacement battery sales and regular recycling activity helped drive broad-based gains across lead scrap grades.
- Recovery in Zinc Scrap Buying Activity — Increased purchasing by die-casting manufacturers and zinc recyclers lifted demand for zinc scrap, supporting moderate price gains, particularly for New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
- Steady Aluminum Demand Despite Mixed Grade Performance — Aluminum scrap prices remained supported by stable demand from the automotive, packaging, and construction sectors. While certain grades saw little or no movement due to sufficient supply, stronger buying interest for most grades resulted in an overall positive weekly trend.
Non-ferrous scrap prices strengthened during the week, supported by firm industrial demand, healthy procurement by secondary smelters, and stable global metal prices. Balanced scrap availability, resilient export interest, and sustained consumption from the automotive, construction, battery recycling, and manufacturing sectors continued to underpin positive market sentiment.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.7263 per pound as of August 6, 2026, modestly higher by around 26¢ (↑4.03%) over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, the LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $14,103.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices extended their upward trend for another consecutive week, building on the positive momentum seen in the previous reporting period. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded the strongest weekly gain, rising ↑3.55%, followed closely by #1 Copper Wire and Tubing with a ↑3.49% increase, while #1 Copper Bare Bright climbed ↑3.44% week over week.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.22 | +3.44% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.22 | +3.49% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.22 | +3.55% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
Copper scrap prices continued to strengthen during the week ended August 6, 2026. #1 Copper Bare Bright rose $0.22 per pound (↑3.44%), while #1 Copper Wire & Tubing gained $0.22 per pound (↑3.49%) from the previous week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing led the benchmark grades, climbing $0.22 per pound (↑3.55% week over week).
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire & Tubing each rose $0.22 per pound, up ↑3.54% and ↑3.60% week over week, respectively. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also gained $0.22 per pound, recording the strongest weekly increase among the benchmark grades at ↑3.66%.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright rose $0.22 per pound (↑3.38%), while #1 Copper Wire & Tubing gained $0.22 per pound (↑3.44%) from the previous week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing posted the strongest weekly gain, climbing $0.22 per pound (↑3.49%).
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All major copper scrap grades recorded week-over-week price gains.
- #2 Copper Wire and Tubing led the weekly advances with a ↑1.71% increase, followed closely by #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, up ↑1.69%.
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded a week-over-week increase.
- Copper Sheet Cutting recorded the strongest price increase, surging INR 56,000 per tonne (↑6.29%) from the previous week.
See all Copper daily reports → | Copper Price Index → | Related Copper news →
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures closed at USD 3,269.45 per metric ton as of August 6, 2026, higher by $74.80 (↑2.34%) versus the previous week's close of USD 3,194.65 per metric ton.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,259.00 per tonne, per the London Metal Exchange.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Aluminum scrap prices edged higher during the week, with several benchmark grades posting modest gains. E.C. Aluminum Wire and 6063 Extrusions both advanced ↑0.97% week over week. Old Cast recorded the strongest increase among the featured grades, climbing ↑1.11%, followed closely by UBC, which gained ↑1.10% over the previous week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| E.C. Aluminum Wire | 0.01 | +0.69% |
| 6063 Extrusions | 0.01 | +0.97% |
| Old Cast | 0.01 | +1.11% |
| UBC | 0.01 | +1.10% |
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Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
E.C. Aluminum Wire rose ↑0.69% as of Thursday, August 6, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by ↑0.97%. Old Cast increased ↑1.11%, while UBC prices rose ↑1.10% on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
E.C. Aluminum Wire rose $0.01 per pound, while 6063 Extrusions climbed ↑0.97%. Old Cast advanced ↑1.15% week-on-week, and UBC prices increased ↑1.12%.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
E.C. Aluminum Wire gained ↑0.69% week over week, while 6063 Extrusions advanced ↑0.97%. Old Cast increased by $0.01 per lb, and UBC prices posted a ↑1.09% increase.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded a modest increase from the previous week's prices.
- Old Cast and Old Sheet recorded the largest weekly gains, with both prices increasing by CNY 150 per metric ton (↑0.71%).
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All tracked aluminum scrap grades recorded week-over-week gains.
- Aluminum Utensil Scrap and Aluminum Ingot each increased by INR 3,000 per tonne. Aluminum Utensil Scrap posted the strongest percentage gain, rising ↑0.90%.
See all Aluminum daily reports → | Aluminum Price Index → | Related Aluminum news →
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Brass and bronze scrap prices extended their gains during the week. Yellow Brass advanced ↑1.69% week over week, while Red Brass rose ↑1.63%, highlighting sustained buying interest and continued resilience in the North American brass scrap market.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| Red Brass | 0.06 | +1.63% |
| Yellow Brass | 0.06 | +1.69% |
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Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass advanced ↑1.63% from the previous week, while Yellow Brass recorded a slightly stronger ↑1.69% gain.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass advanced ↑1.65% week over week, while Yellow Brass outperformed with a ↑1.74% increase.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices increased by $0.06 per pound (↑1.57%). Yellow Brass prices gained ↑1.61% by week's end.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded a slight jump.
- Red Brass and Yellow Brass prices each increased by CNY 250 per metric ton.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories edged higher.
- Brass Cuttings recorded the largest weekly gain, rising INR 12,000 per tonne (↑2.88%).
See all Brass/Bronze daily reports → | Brass/Bronze Price Index → | Related Brass/Bronze news →
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a slight increase of USD 4.35 per ton (↑0.23%) over the prior week to close at USD 1,886.43 per ton as of August 6, 2026.
- The closing price of the LME Lead 3-month contract was $1,884.50 per metric tonne, per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices surged during the week, with all major grades registering strong week-over-week gains. The uptrend was driven by tight supplies of spent lead-acid batteries, which limited scrap availability, alongside sustained buying interest from battery recyclers. Scrap Auto Batteries led the advance, posting a ↑16.67% increase from the previous week.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| Scrap Auto Batteries | 0.05 | +16.67% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Lead Scrap Prices
Scrap Auto Batteries prices increased by $0.05 per lb during the week ended August 6, 2026, as tightening supplies of spent lead-acid batteries continued to constrain raw material availability for secondary lead producers.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
Scrap Auto Batteries prices surged ↑16.67% week over week, rising $0.05 per lb compared with the previous week's level.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
Scrap Auto Batteries increased $0.05 per lb (↑16.67%), reflecting the strongest week-over-week gain among tracked lead scrap grades.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices recorded slight increases of ↑0.37% and ↑0.38%, respectively.
- Auto Battery prices edged higher by ↑0.76% from the prior week.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- The prices of all lead scrap categories in the region increased over the previous week.
See all Lead daily reports → | Lead Price Index → | Related Lead news →
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Zinc Futures closed at USD 3,761.55 per metric ton as of August 6, 2026, recording a modest increase of USD 116.05 per metric ton (↑3.18%).
- The LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,763.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices edged higher versus the previous week. New Zinc Die Cast prices were up ↑2.30%. Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted a jump of ↑2.50% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| New Zinc Die Cast | 0.02 | +2.30% |
| Old Zinc Die Cast | 0.02 | +2.50% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
New Zinc Die Cast recorded a jump of ↑2.30% as of Thursday, August 6, 2026. Old Zinc Die Cast prices were up ↑2.50% over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended August 6, 2026, New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded increases from the previous week's price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
New Zinc Die Cast posted a week-over-week jump of ↑2.30% as of Thursday, August 6, 2026. Old Zinc Die Cast prices closed higher, recording a ↑2.50% gain week-over-week.
International Comparison
China Zinc Scrap Prices
- Shred Zinc Scrap prices increased by CNY 350 per metric ton (↑2.02%) during the week ended August 6, 2026.
India Zinc Scrap Prices
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week.
- Zinc slab prices witnessed an increase of ↑2.33% over the previous week.
See all Zinc daily reports → | Zinc Price Index → | Related Zinc news →
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
- Balanced Scrap Supply — Ferrous scrap availability remained largely in line with mill requirements, preventing significant price swings. Adequate collection volumes and stable dealer inventories helped keep the market well supplied.
- Steady Steel Mill Purchasing — Steel mills maintained routine procurement activity without aggressive spot buying. Stable order books and comfortable raw material inventories limited the need for higher bid prices.
- Muted Export Demand — Export buying remained subdued, with limited improvement in overseas demand for ferrous scrap. Soft export activity reduced upward pressure on domestic scrap prices.
- Stable Domestic Steel Production — Consistent operating rates at electric arc furnace (EAF) mills supported regular scrap consumption, although production levels were not strong enough to trigger broad-based price increases.
- Selective Weakness in Heavy Melting Scrap — Mild pricing pressure persisted in certain obsolete scrap grades, particularly #1 HMS, reflecting softer buying interest and adequate availability of heavy melting scrap.
- Stable Manufacturing and Construction Activity — Demand from construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors remained steady, providing a stable base for steel production and supporting consistent scrap consumption.
- Cautious Market Sentiment — Market participants largely adopted a wait-and-watch approach amid limited catalysts. Buyers and sellers focused on short-term procurement needs, contributing to a stable pricing environment with only isolated adjustments in select grades.
The North American ferrous scrap market remained broadly stable during the week, supported by balanced supply-demand fundamentals, steady steel mill purchasing, and consistent EAF production. Muted export demand and cautious buying sentiment limited price gains, while ample scrap availability kept most benchmark grades unchanged, with only isolated weakness in select obsolete scrap categories.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing prices of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of August 6, 2026 are provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) — $380.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) — $579.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) — $372.80 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices were largely stable during the week, with only a few benchmark grades posting declines from the previous reporting period. #1 HMS fell by $5 per metric ton (↓1.39%) week over week, while HMS 80/20, Shredded Auto Scrap, and #1 Busheling remained unchanged.
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totaled 1.870 million net tons during the week ended August 1, 2026 — up ↑0.60% week-on-week and ↑5.60% year-on-year. The capability utilization rate stood at 81.00% (versus 80.50% in the week ending July 25, 2026).
Region-wise production: Northeast — 125,000 NT; Great Lakes — 496,000 NT; Midwest — 320,000 NT; Southern — 860,000 NT; Western — 69,000 NT.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 HMS | 5 | -1.39% |
| Shredded Auto Scrap | 0 | Nil |
| HMS 80/20 | 0 | Nil |
| #1 Busheling | 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
Most benchmark grades held steady during the week ended August 6, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling remained unchanged from the previous week. The only notable change came from #1 HMS, which declined by $5 per metric ton (↓1.39%) week over week.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices declined by $5 per metric ton from the previous week. Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling remained unchanged over the same period.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
Ferrous scrap prices remained broadly stable, with Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling recording no price changes, while #1 HMS was the only major grade to decline, slipping $5 per metric ton from the prior week.
International Comparison
China — Flat
China Steel Scrap Prices
- All steel scrap categories held steady.
- #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap prices remained flat versus the previous week.
See all Steel daily reports → | Steel Price Index → | Related Steel news →
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: The stainless steel scrap market traded sideways over the previous week, with prices holding firm across key grades. Notably, 304 SS Solid scrap remained unchanged from the prior week's level.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| 304 SS Solid | 0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid recorded no variation as of Thursday, August 6, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered no change; the commodity held steady during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid remained unchanged during the week ended August 6, 2026, maintaining the same level as the previous week.
International Comparison
China — Flat
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- Shred SS, 201 SS, 304 SS Solid, and 304 SS Turning prices held steady.
- 309 SS, 316 SS Solid, and 310 SS posted modest price declines during the week ended August 6, 2026.
See all Stainless Steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless Steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- U.S. Steel Mill Production — U.S. Raw Steel Output Rises 5.6% YoY
- Steel Shipments — AISI: U.S. Steel Shipments Post Strong June Growth
- Steel Certification — Mexico Prepares NOM-251 Phase One Steel Certification
- AISI Releases — AISI Releases 2025 Statistical Report on U.S. Steel Industry
- Acquisitions — US Steel Emerges as Growth Driver One Year After Nippon Steel Deal
- Metal Recycling — InterPro Boosts Canadian Scrap Supply with K&K Prairie Recycling Acquisition
- Steel Investment — U.S. Steel Bargaining to Focus on Investment, Safety and Healthcare / Salzgitter Launches Germany's Biggest Electric Arc Furnace Project
Global Comparison & Policy Impact — USA vs. China/India
- Copper: U.S. ↑1.84%–↑7.69%; China ↑1.67% | India ↑4.61%
- Aluminum: U.S. ↑0.97%; China ↑0.60% | India ↑0.89%
- Steel: ↓0.35%
- Stainless Steel: U.S. — Flat; China — Flat
Expert Quote
'US ferrous scrap prices are expected to remain largely stable in August, with balanced supply and demand conditions limiting the potential for a significant market move.' — Fastmarkets Team, US Scrap Trends Outlook: August 2026
Market Outlook
- Prices Likely to Stay Range-Bound — Ferrous scrap prices are expected to remain broadly stable over the coming weeks as balanced supply-demand fundamentals continue to limit sharp market movements. Barring any major disruptions, only modest price fluctuations are anticipated.
- Steel Mill Buying to Remain Disciplined — Electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers are likely to maintain measured procurement strategies, purchasing primarily to meet immediate production requirements. This cautious approach should keep upward price momentum in check.
- Seasonal Steel Demand to Shape Consumption — Demand from the construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors will remain a key determinant of scrap consumption. Any seasonal improvement in finished steel orders could provide moderate support to scrap prices.
- Export Markets to Influence Domestic Pricing — Recovery in Turkish import demand or stronger buying from Asian markets could tighten domestic scrap availability and lend support to North American prices. Conversely, weak export activity would keep the market comfortably supplied.
- Obsolete Scrap Supply Expected to Improve — Higher collection volumes as seasonal factors normalize could increase the availability of obsolete grades such as HMS and shredded scrap. Improved supply may cap further price gains unless matched by stronger demand.
- Manufacturing Activity to Drive Market Direction — Industrial production and manufacturing output will remain important indicators for ferrous scrap demand. Sustained factory activity should support steady consumption, while weaker industrial conditions could soften buying interest.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S.
- Tue: Existing Home Sales (July)
- Wed: Consumer Price Index (CPI) (July)
- Thu: Producer Price Index (PPI) (July)
- Fri: Retail Sales (July), University of Michigan (UoM) Consumer Sentiment Index
Europe (EU & UK)
- Wed: German Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) (July Final)
- Thu: United Kingdom Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Q2 Preliminary), United Kingdom Industrial Production & Trade Balance (June), Eurozone Industrial Production (June)
Asia & Oceania
- Tue: Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Interest Rate Decision
- Wed: India Consumer Price Index (CPI) & Industrial Production (IIP) (July)
- Thu: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Inflation Expectations
Daily Reports | Scrap Monster Price Index | US Scrap Metal Prices
Related Resources: Copper Scrap Prices | Aluminum Scrap Prices | Steel Scrap Prices | Brass Scrap Prices | Scrap Yard Directory | Company Directory | Daily Market Report
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