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Rubber and Wood | 2026-05-01 05:26:08
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
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
which suppresses prices in the near term until clarity emerges.
Taken together, these drivers point to a transitional market phase:
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
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.
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%).
#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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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%).
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.
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
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Thursday, April 30, 2026.
By the end of the week ending April 30, 2026, Scrap Auto Batteries prices remained unchanged from the previous week.
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, April 30, 2026.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 .
Divergence Between Regions (West strong, Asia weak)
Recent trends show:
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:
Medium-term bullish structural driver, even if short-term demand is uneven.
Trade Policies & Import Restrictions
Policy shifts are actively reshaping flows:
Outcome: localized tightness + global imbalance in scrap availability
Raw Material Price Competition (Iron Ore vs Scrap)
Declining or stable iron ore prices can:
Acts as a cap on scrap price rallies in the medium term.
Decarbonization & “Green Steel” Push
Scrap is central to low-carbon steelmaking:
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):
Medium term (3–12 months):
Bottom-Line Market Structure
Immediate term (0–3 months):
Medium term (3–12 months):
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
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.
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.
China Flat
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
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.
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.
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.
China ↑2.92%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
“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
This divergence leads to price fragmentation and uneven trade flows globally.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
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Weak secondary smelter demand, increased scrap inflows, and softer primary metal prices contributed to the downturn.
Balanced supply and demand conditions, along with steady mill procurement, kept ferrous prices largely unchanged.
Aluminum saw a broader decline (~2%), reflecting more pronounced weakness in downstream sectors like construction and packaging.
For up-to-date data, use tools like the Scrap Monster Price Index and the US Scrap Price Index, then review daily and weekly reports in the Scrap Monster portal to monitor trends, percentage moves, and grade-specific performance.
Combining index data with structured weekly commentary helps scrap yards, traders, and generators refine their buying and selling strategies.