North American Scrap Metal Prices Dip on the Index- January 16, 2026
Daily Scrap Metal Price Report | 2026-01-19 13:47:47
330 SS prices were down by $0.04 per Lb.
By 
TORONTO (Scrap Monster): As of Friday, January 16, 2026, North American scrap metal prices recorded modest decline on the ScrapMonster Price Index. Only steel scrap prices held steady over the previous day’s prices.
- Copper: Weak trend
- Aluminum: Recorded decline
- Brass/Bronze: Widespread decline
- Stainless Steel: Witnessed a decline
- Steel: Flat trend
Copper Scrap Prices
The price of Alternator scrap recorded a decline of $0.01 per Lb over the previous day.
The price of #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, #1 Copper Bare Bright, and #3 Copper- Light Copper declined by $0.18 per Lb.
The prices of #1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery and #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery were down by $0.03 per Lb on the Index.
Copper Radiator scrap prices recorded a decline of $0.07 per Lb.
Copper Transformer and Cu Yokes prices were down by $0.01 per Lb and $0.02 per Lb respectively.
Cu/Al Radiator Ends, Cu/Al Radiators and Cu/Al Radiators/Fe prices were unchanged as of January 16, 2026.
Harness Wire 35% Recovery and Romex Wire prices reported a decline of $0.03 per Lb each, whereas Heater Cores prices were down by $0.02 per Lb on the Index.
The prices of Scrap Electric Motors, Starters, Sealed units, and Xmas Lights saw a decline of $0.01 per Lb from the previous day’s price levels.
Aluminum Scrap Prices
1100 Scrap prices were down by $0.01 per Lb over the day.
The prices of 3003 Scrap, 356 Aluminum Wheels and 6063 Extrusions/Fe also dropped by $0.01 per Lb.
The prices of 6063 Extrusions recorded a decline of $0.01 per Lb over the day.
Also, prices of 5052 Scrap and 6061 Extrusions saw a dip of $0.01 per Lb when compared with the prior day.
The prices of Al/Cu Radiators and Al/Cu Radiators/Fe recorded no variation over the day.
Aluminum Radiators and Aluminum Radiators/Fe prices held steady.
Aluminum Transformers and Breakage 50% Recovery prices remained unchanged as of January 16, 2026.
E.C Aluminum Wire prices were down by $.01 per Lb on the Index.
Chrome Wheels, Litho Sheets, and MLC Clips prices dipped by $0.01 per Lb when compared with the previous day’s price levels.
Mixed Aluminum Turnings prices also declined by $0.01 per Lb.
The prices of Old Cast and UBC dipped by $0.01 per Lb over the previous day.
Old Sheet, Painted Siding, and Zorba 90% NF prices also recorded decline by $0.01 per Lb on the Index.
Steel Scrap Prices
- #1 Bundle: No change
- #1 Busheling: Flat trend
- #1 HMS: Held steady
- HMS 80/20: Stable pricing
Sheet Metal, Shredded Auto Scrap, and Structural Steel also saw no change in prices as of January 16, 2026.
Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
201 SS and 301 SS prices reported a decline of $0.01 per Lb.
304 SS Solid prices also were down by $0.02 per Lb over the previous day.
304 SS Turning witnessed a decline of $0.02 per Lb in prices as of January 16, 2026.
309 SS and 310 SS prices saw a decline of $0.02 per Lb and $0.03 per Lb in price from the previous day’s level.
330 SS prices were down by $0.04 per Lb.
Also, 316 SS Solid prices dropped by $0.02 per Lb on the Index.
Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
The Brass/Bronze Scrap prices in the North American region witnessed a decline on the Index.
- 70/30 Brass Scrap: Down by $0.05 per Lb
- 80/20 Brass Scrap: Dropped by $0.05 per Lb
- 85/15 Brass Scrap: Saw a dip by $0.05 per Lb
- Brass Radiator: Reduced by $0.05 per Lb
Brass Radiator /Fe prices were down by $0.01 per Lb.
Brass Radiator Ends prices maintained the previous day's price levels as of January 16, 2026.
In the meantime, Red Brass, Red Borings and Yellow Brass prices dropped by $0.05 per Lb on the Index.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Which metals saw the sharpest declines?
Brass and bronze scrap prices recorded the steepest declines, with several grades falling by up to $0.05 per lb.
- How did copper scrap prices trend?
Copper scrap prices showed a weak trend, with most grades declining modestly, while a few Cu/Al radiator categories remained unchanged.
- What does this indicate about the broader scrap market?
The mixed-to-weak trend suggests cautious buying activity and short-term pressure across non-ferrous scrap markets.
- What factors drive scrap metal prices?
Scrap metal prices are influenced by global commodity demand, supply chain dynamics, industrial production rates, recycling capacity, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical factors. The primary drivers include steel mill activity, manufacturing output, automotive production, construction demand, and the availability of virgin material alternatives. Exchange rates, international trade policies, and seasonal market patterns also play significant roles in price movements.
- How can I sell scrap metal for the best price?
To maximize scrap metal prices, monitor market trends through price tracking platforms, sell when prices peak, sort and separate materials by type for higher grades, ensure materials are clean and free of contaminants, and negotiate with reputable buyers. Building relationships with multiple recyclers, timing sales during market upswings, maintaining proper documentation, and understanding current commodity prices are essential strategies for achieving competitive returns.
- What are the latest scrap metal market trends?
Current scrap metal market trends show mixed momentum with prices adjusting to global economic conditions and industrial demand fluctuations. Steel categories remain stable with modest trading activity, while non-ferrous metals face pressure from economic uncertainty. Rising environmental regulations, increased focus on circular economy principles, and growing demand for recycled content in manufacturing are shaping market dynamics. Seasonal demand patterns and geopolitical factors continue to influence pricing across all commodity segments.
- How do North American scrap metal prices compare to global markets?
North American scrap metal prices are influenced by global market dynamics and often track international commodity exchanges like LME and COMEX. However, pricing differentials exist due to transportation costs, regional supply-demand imbalances, and local market conditions. North America typically offers competitive prices for major grades, though Asian markets often lead price discovery. Factors such as import-export regulations, currency valuations, and regional recycling capacity impact relative pricing. Monitoring international benchmarks is essential for understanding price competitiveness in global trade.
- When is the best time to sell scrap metals?
The optimal time to sell scrap metals depends on monitoring commodity price trends and market cycles. Generally, selling when prices are at peak levels yields maximum returns. Monitor leading indicators such as manufacturing indices, construction starts, and global commodity futures. Avoid selling during market downturns or cyclical lows. Seasonal patterns show stronger demand during manufacturing busy seasons. Building relationships with buyers, understanding local market dynamics, and combining technical analysis with fundamental market knowledge enables strategic timing decisions for premium pricing outcomes.
