Scrap Metal Price: Weekly Market Report- October 24-30, 2025
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2025-10-31 14:15:13
Steel scrap prices recorded mixed trend across global markets. #1 HMS and HMS 80/20 prices remained flat. Shredded Auto Scrap prices edged higher, whereas #1 Busheling recorded week-over-week decline.
By Paul Ploumis
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): The weekly market price trends in North America for various scrap metal categories on the Scrap Monster Price Index for the week of October 24-30, 2025, are given in the report that follows:
Copper scrap prices rose slightly, led by Sealed Units, Starters, and Alternator. Aluminum scrap prices recorded no variation on the Index. Brass and bronze scrap recorded broad decline in price week-over-week. Lead and zinc scrap prices were unchanged.
Steel scrap prices recorded mixed trend across global markets. #1 HMS and HMS 80/20 prices remained flat. Shredded Auto Scrap prices edged higher, whereas #1 Busheling recorded week-over-week decline. Also, stainless steel scrap prices remained steady week-over-week across North America and China.
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
- Metal Price Volatility – Fluctuations in primary metal prices directly influence scrap collection and trading activity. High base-metal prices typically encourage more scrap recovery and recycling investments.
Global Trade Policies – Export bans, tariffs, and shifting trade flows impact scrap availability and regional price gaps. Nations like India and China are tightening import standards, reshaping international scrap movement.
- Infrastructure and Urbanization – Rapid construction and modernization projects generate and consume more recyclable metals. Developing economies are driving long-term demand for recycled copper and aluminum in power grids and transport systems.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a slight decline of 0.41% in copper scrap prices. #1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices edged lower by 0.41%. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing closed at $4.90 per pound, down 0.41% from the beginning of the week. Additionally, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing went down from $4.82 to $4.80 per pound, witnessing a weekly decline of 0.41%.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in #3 Copper- Light Copper, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.02 | -0.40% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.02 | -0.41% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.02 | -0.41% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index dropped by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, October 30, 2025, a weekly decline of ↓0.40%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing went lower by $0.02 per pound, registering a decline by ↓0.41% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had decreased by ↓0.41% to $0.02 less per pound.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index fell by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, October 30, 2025, a weekly drop of ↓0.41%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing edged lower by $0.02 per pound, registering a fall by ↓0.42% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had dropped by ↓0.43% to close the week at $4.60 per pound.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index decreased by $0.22 per pound as of Thursday, October 30, 2025, a weekly decline of ↓0.39%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched lower by $0.02 per pound, registering a dip by ↓0.40% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices had declined by ↓0.41% as at the end of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All of the copper scrap categories edged higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainers: Sealed Units ↑1.26%, Scrap Electric Motors ↑1.23%, Copper Transformer Scrap ↑0.79%
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded week-over-week increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was no change in aluminum scrap prices. E.C. Aluminum Wire’s prices held steady at $1.29 per Lb. 6063 Extrusions closed at $0.98 per pound, maintaining the previous week's price. Old Cast prices were unchanged at $0.84 per Lb over the previous week. Also, the price of UBC remained stable at $0.85 per pound.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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 Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no change as of Thursday, October 30, 2025. 6063 Extrusions were flat at $0.98 per pound, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast witnessed no variation. Also, UBC prices recorded no change week-on-week.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Over the previous week, there was no change in aluminum scrap prices. E.C. Aluminum Wire’s prices held steady at $1.29 per Lb. 6063 Extrusions closed at $0.96 per pound, maintaining the previous week's price. Old Cast prices were unchanged at $0.81 per Lb over the previous week. Also, the price of UBC remained stable at $0.84 per pound.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no change as of Thursday, October 30, 2025. 6063 Extrusions were flat at $0.98 per pound, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast witnessed no variation. Also, UBC prices recorded no change week-on-week.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories maintained previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded week-over-week increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainers: Aluminum ingots ↑1.52%, Aluminum utensil scrap ↑1.57%
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a modest decline of 0.33% in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices edged lower by 0.34%. Red Brass closed at $3.12 per pound, down 0.32% from the beginning of the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | -0.32% | |
0.01 | -0.34% |
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
The price of Red Brass on the Scrap Monster Price Index dropped by $0.01 per pound as of Thursday, October 30, 2025, a weekly decline of ↓0.32%. Yellow Brass edged lower by $0.01 per pound, recording a dip by ↓0.34% from the prior week.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended October 30, 2025, the price of Red Brass had decreased by ↓0.33% to $0.01 less per pound. Additionally, Yellow Brass prices recorded week-on-week decline by ↓0.35%.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass went lower by $0.01 per pound, witnessing a dip by ↓0.31% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Yellow Brass had declined by ↓0.33%, rising by $0.01 per pound.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories inched higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainer: Brass Radiator ↑0.47%
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was no variation in lead scrap prices. The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries were unchanged at $0.24 per pound at the close of the week.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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, October 30, 2025.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended October 30, 2025, the price of Scrap Auto Batteries maintained previous week’s price level.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, October 30, 2025.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories recorded week-over-week increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainer: Lead ingot ↑0.56%
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, zinc scrap prices recorded no variation. The prices of New Zinc Die Cast were unmoved at $0.82 per pound. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices held steady at $0.69 per pound at the close of the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
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 no change as of Thursday, October 30, 2025. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices remained flat over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended October 30, 2025, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded no variation from the previous week’s price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded no variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, October 30, 2025. Similarly, the New Zinc Die Cast prices remained unchanged week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices were unchanged at CNY 16,000 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 edged higher by 2.68% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
- Growth in steel production via EAFs — The shift toward electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking boosts demand for high-quality ferrous scrap as feedstock.
- Infrastructure and construction expansion — Rapid urbanisation and major infrastructure projects increase steel use and thereby generate more scrap and need recycled content.
- Stricter environmental regulations and circular economy focus — Policies promoting recycling, reduced landfill and lower carbon emissions are driving recycling of ferrous scrap.
- Technological improvements in sorting & processing — Enhanced automation, advanced separation and quality control make scrap more usable and cost-effective for mills.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, steel scrap prices recorded mixed trend. #1 HMS prices maintained previous week's price of $315 per MT. Shredded Auto Scrap closed at $365 per MT, recording a jump of $5 per MT from the week before. The HMS 80/20 prices held steady at $255 per MT. However, the price of # Busheling witnessed a dip from $385 per MT to $380 per MT during the week.
Charts
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The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
5 | +1.39% | |
0 | Nil | |
5 | -1.30% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
The price of #1 HMS on the Scrap Monster Price Index reported no change as of Thursday, October 30, 2025. Shredded Auto Scrap prices were up by 1.39% on the Index upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of HMS 80/20 had recorded no change. Meanwhile, #1 Busheling prices recorded week-over-week decline by 1.39%.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Shredded Auto Scrap closed the week at $365 per MT, up by $5 per MT from the beginning of the week. The HMS 80/20 prices were stable. Also, the price of #1 Busheling recorded a weekly decline of 1.3%.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS’s price on the Scrap Monster Price Index was flat as of Thursday, October 30, 2025. Shredded Auto Scrap witnessed an increase of $5 per MT in prices from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of HMS 80/20 had recorded no fluctuation. #1 Busheling prices were down by 1.3% over the previous 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 were flat at $1630 and $1730 per MT respectively.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was no change in stainless steel scrap prices. 304 SS Solid scrap prices remained unchanged at $0.62 per pound.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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 held steady at $0.62 per pound as of Thursday, October 30, 2025.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices were flat on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity reported no variation from the previous week’s price of $0.62 per pound.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady at $0.62 per pound as of Thursday, October 30, 2025.
International Comparison
China Mostly Flat
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All the stainless steel scrap categories, except 310 SS, held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- 310 SS scrap prices dropped by 0.32%, falling from CNY 15,700 per MT to CNY 15,650 per MT.
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Mills & buy programs- U.S. Steel Mills Boosted Weekly Output to 1.747 Million NT, Says AISI
- Trade/policy- AISI Hailed Trump's Trade Deals with Malaysia and Cambodia
- Market Price Trends- Global Recycled Steel Usage Fell 6.9% in H1 2025; India and Turkey Showed Growth- BIR Report
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Copper: U.S. -0.40–0.41%; China- +0.24%; India- +2.43%
Aluminum: U.S.-Flat; China- Flat; India +1.55%
Ferrous: Mixed trend across major regions
Expert Quote:
“As long as the domestic price for UBCs is high enough, there is no need for an export ban. There isn’t domestic capacity to recycle scrap in the first place.” — Andy Farida, Fastmarkets analyst.
Outlook
- Ferrous Weakness – Steel demand remains soft, leading to slight price declines and cautious mill buying. Seasonal slowdowns and high inventories continue to pressure prices into early winter.
- Non-Ferrous Strength – Copper and aluminum scrap benefit from strong demand in EVs, renewables, and electronics. Tight supply and infrastructure spending are likely to keep non-ferrous prices resilient.
- Policy & Sustainability Push – Tighter export rules and green-metal targets are boosting domestic recycling efforts. Governments aim to reduce import dependence and encourage circular-economy growth.
- Regional Variations – Asia shows stronger growth momentum, while U.S. and EU markets stay range-bound. Emerging markets are investing heavily in new smelting and recycling capacities.
- Tech-Driven Efficiency – Investments in AI-based sorting and modern recycling plants improve margins and quality. Automation is helping recyclers cut labor costs and recover higher-grade materials.
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Related Resources
Copper Scrap Prices | Aluminum Scrap Prices | Steel Scrap Prices | Brass Scrap Prices | Scrap Yard Directory | Company Directory | Daily Market Report
POLL
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What key factors are currently driving the ferrous scrap market?
Major drivers include rising EAF-based steel production, expanding infrastructure projects, stricter environmental policies, and advancements in sorting and recycling technologies improving scrap quality and efficiency.
- How did copper scrap prices perform across different U.S. regions?
Copper scrap prices slipped marginally nationwide — down about 0.4% — with #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire & Tubing both dropping $0.02 per pound across the East, Midwest, and West Coasts.
- What role does technology play in today’s scrap market?
AI-based sorting and automated recycling systems are enhancing recovery rates, reducing labor costs, and improving material quality—making operations more efficient and sustainable.
- How can I track scrap metal prices in real time?
Use the Scrap Monster Price Index or US Scrap Price Index, and access daily reports via the Scrap Monster portal.
