North American Scrap Market Mixed as Copper Gains, Steel Slips on the Index- July 15, 2026

MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): North American scrap metal prices were mostly unchanged on the ScrapMonster Price Index as of Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Copper scrap prices recorded a modest increase, while E.C. Aluminum Wire edged lower. Brass/bronze and stainless steel scrap prices showed no day-over-day variation, while steel scrap prices dropped on the Index.

Key Market Points

• Copper was the main mover, with several clean copper grades rising by $0.02 per lb.

• E.C. Aluminum Wire slipped by $0.01 per lb, while the rest of the listed aluminum grades held steady.

• Brass/bronze scrap prices were unchanged across the listed categories.

• Stainless steel scrap prices saw no day-over-day movement.

• Steel scrap prices recorded a decline over the previous day’s prices.

Copper Scrap Prices Record Modest Gains

Copper scrap was the clearest positive mover in the North American market. The price of #1 Copper Wire and Tubing increased by $0.02 per lb. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also rose by $0.02 per lb, while #1 Copper Bare Bright edged higher by the same amount.

#3 Copper-Light Copper prices also advanced by $0.03 per lb. The price of Alternator scrap remained unchanged from the previous day.

The broader secondary copper board did not show the same upward movement. #1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery and #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery were flat on the Index. Copper Radiator, Copper Transformer, Cu Yokes, Cu/Al Radiator Ends, Cu/Al Radiators, Cu/Al Radiators/Fe, Harness Wire 35% Recovery, Romex Wire, Heater Cores, Electric Motors, Starters, Sealed Units, and Xmas Lights all held steady.

Aluminum Scrap Mostly Flat; E.C. Aluminum Wire Dips

Aluminum scrap prices were largely stable, with E.C. Aluminum Wire the only listed category to decline. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices declined by $0.01 per lb on the Index.

The rest of the aluminum board was unchanged. 1100 Scrap, 3003 Scrap, 356 Aluminum Wheels, 6063 Extrusions, 6063 Extrusions/Fe, 5052 Scrap, 6061 Extrusions, Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, Aluminum Radiators and Aluminum Radiators/Fe all held steady.

Aluminum Transformers, Breakage 50% Recovery, Chrome Wheels, Litho Sheets, MLC Clips, Mixed Aluminum Turnings, Old Cast, UBC, Old Sheet, Painted Siding and Zorba 90% NF also recorded no change on the day.

Brass and Bronze Scrap Hold Steady

Brass and bronze scrap prices were unchanged across the North American Index. 70/30 Brass Scrap, 80/20 Brass Scrap, 85/15 Brass Scrap, and Brass Radiator scrap prices all held flat.

Brass Radiator/Fe, Brass Radiator Ends, Red Brass, Red Borings, and Yellow Brass also showed no day-over-day fluctuation.

Stainless Steel Prices Show No Variation

Stainless steel scrap prices were stable across the listed grades. 201 SS, 301 SS, 304 SS Solid, 304 SS Turning, 309 SS, 310 SS, 330 SS, and 316 SS Solid all remained unchanged on the Index.

Steel Scrap Prices Recorded a Slight Decline

Steel scrap prices recorded a slight decline on the Index. #1 Bundle and #1 Busheling prices held steady over the previous day. #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, and Structural Steel all declined by $5 per MT. Meanwhile,  HMS 80/20 and Sheet Metal prices witnessed no day-over-day movement.

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