Scrap Metal Prices Drop Across North America | Weekly Market Update Nov 14–20, 2025
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2025-11-23 23:01:18
Brass and bronze scrap values fell across the board last week, indicating softening buying activity for these alloy materials.
By 
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 November 14-20, 2025 are given in the report that follows:
Copper scrap prices mostly declined, while a few categories witnessing no week-over-week change. The most significant declines were observed in categories such as #3 Copper- Light Copper, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #1 Copper Bare Bright. The decline marks a reversal in trend from the previous week.
Aluminum scrap prices largely registered decline. However, a few categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The largest week-on-week dip in prices was recorded in Breakage 50% Recovery, whose prices fell by 2.56%.
Brass and bronze scrap values fell across the board last week, indicating softening buying activity for these alloy materials.
In contrast, lead and zinc scrap markets showed stability, with prices largely unchanged in key trading regions.
Steel scrap grades such as #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling recorded no notable movement globally. Meanwhile, stainless steel scrap pricing trended lower in North America, and slight declines were reported across all stainless categories in China as shifting demand influenced local markets.
Overall, last week’s scrap metal performance reflected a mixed landscape: copper and aluminum posted the sharpest decreases, while other metals either maintained steady levels or saw modest regional variations, underscoring ongoing uncertainty in international recycling and commodities trade.
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
- Copper Scrap – Tightening Supply & Strategic Deficit
The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) now estimates the refined copper market will swing into a deficit of ~150,000 metric tons in 2026, reversing earlier surplus expectations. This suggests that secondary supplies (i.e., scrap) may become increasingly valuable as primary mine expansions struggle to keep pace. Scrap copper grades may face upward price pressure as recyclers respond to tighter availability of primary feedstock. Aluminium Scrap – Export Controls & Regional Demand Shifts
The European Commission is preparing export restrictions on aluminium scrap, aiming to curb the outflow of material from the EU and secure supply for domestic recycling and production. At the same time, India’s imported aluminium scrap prices “inched up” week-over-week, signalling improving demand and possibly tighter supply in key Asian markets. Regional disparities are growing — European policies may tighten supply, while Asia remains a strong demand front, affecting global scrap flows and pricing.- Zinc Scrap – Sustainability & Recovery Growth Amid Modest Price Movement
The zinc scrap market is forecast to grow (examples: CAGR ~4.8% from 2025-2035) driven by increased use of galvanised steel, die-casting, and recycling efforts. Yet spot commodity prices for primary zinc show a minor decline (e.g., zinc futures fell ~1.18% over the past month). While the structural case for zinc scrap is solid (sustainability, circular economy), near-term pricing is more stable or subdued — meaning scrap grades may see less dramatic shifts compared to copper or aluminium.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a slight decline of 2.06% in copper scrap prices. #1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices edged lower by 2.02%. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing closed at $4.76 per pound, down 2.06% from the beginning of the week. Additionally, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing went down from $4.76 to $4.66 per pound, registering a weekly decline of 2.10%.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.10 | -2.02% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.10 | -2.06% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.10 | -2.10% |
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 $0.10 per pound as of Thursday, November 20, 2025, a weekly decline of ↓2.02%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing went lower by $0.10 per pound, registering a decline by ↓2.06% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had decreased by ↓2.10% to $0.10 less per pound.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index fell by $0.10 per pound as of Thursday, November 20, 2025, a weekly drop of ↓2.10%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing edged lower by $0.10 per pound, registering a fall by ↓2.15% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had dropped by ↓2.19% to close the week at $4.46 per pound.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index decreased by $0.10 per pound as of Thursday, November 20, 2025, a weekly decline of ↓2.00%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched lower by $0.10 per pound, registering a dip by ↓2.04% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices had declined by ↓2.08% as at the end of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All of the copper scrap categories edged lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: #2 Copper Wire and Tubing ↓0.92%, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing ↓0.91%, #1 Copper Bare Bright ↓0.87%
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a general weakness in aluminum scrap prices. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices dropped by ↓1.56% to $1.26 per Lb. 6063 Extrusions closed at $0.96 per pound, registering a dip of ↓1.03% from the previous week's price. Old Cast prices were down from $0.83 per pound to $0.82 per pound, falling by ↓1.20% over the previous week. Also, the price of UBC slipped by ↓1.19% during the course of the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | ↓1.56% | |
0.01 | ↓1.03% | |
0.01 | ↓1.20% | |
0.01 | ↓1.19% |
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 a decline of ↓1.56% as of Thursday, November 20, 2025. 6063 Extrusions were down by ↓1.03% to close at $0.96 per pound, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast fell by ↓1.20% on the Index. Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week decline of ↓1.19%, dropping from $0.84 per pound to $0.83 per pound.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Over the previous week, aluminum scrap prices witnessed a decline. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices dropped by ↓1.56% to $1.26 per Lb. 6063 Extrusions closed at $0.94 per pound, posting a dip of ↓1.05% from the previous week's price. Old Cast prices dipped from $0.80 per pound to $0.79 per pound, falling by ↓1.25% over the previous week. Also, the price of UBC recorded a decline of ↓1.20% during the course of the week.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a decline of ↓1.56% as of Thursday, November 20, 2025. 6063 Extrusions were down by ↓1.03% to close at $0.96 per pound, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast fell by ↓1.19% on the Index. Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week decline of ↓1.18%, dropping from $0.85 per pound to $0.84 per pound.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded decline from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet prices recorded the biggest dips, falling by ↓1.30% each on the Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded week-over-week decrease on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: Aluminum ingots ↓1.85%, Aluminum utensil scrap ↓1.92%
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 ↓0.33%. Red Brass closed at $3.14 per pound, down ↓0.32% from the beginning of the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | -0.32% | |
0.01 | -0.33% |
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, November 20, 2025, a weekly decline of ↓0.32%. Yellow Brass edged lower by $0.01 per pound, recording a dip by ↓0.33% from the prior week.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended November 20, 2025, the price of Red Brass had decreased by ↓0.32% to $0.01 less per pound. Additionally, Yellow Brass prices recorded week-on-week decline by ↓0.34%.
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%, falling by $0.01 per pound.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Yellow Brass ↓0.41%
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week dip on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap values showed no movement over the past week, remaining completely stable. Scrap Auto Battery prices held firm at $0.24 per pound by week’s end, reflecting an unchanged market position.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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, November 20, 2025.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended November 20, 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, November 20, 2025.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories posted decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories recorded week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Lead ingot ↓2.19%
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap pricing remained flat throughout the past week, with no recorded changes. New Zinc Die Cast continued to trade at $0.82 per pound, while Old Zinc Die Cast held unchanged at $0.69 per pound by week’s end.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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, November 20, 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 November 20, 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, November 20, 2025. Similarly, the New Zinc Die Cast prices remained unchanged week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded decline of CNY 50 per MT on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's closing price stood at CNY 16,000 per MT
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices edged higher by ↑0.99% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
- Steel Production Levels Setting the Tone for Scrap Demand
Scrap requirements closely mirror steel mill operating rates—when mills increase melt schedules and boost capacity utilization, demand for ferrous scrap rises, supporting prices. Conversely, slower production and reduced steel orders weaken scrap buying interest and apply downward pressure. - Export Policies and Trade Dynamics Redefining Supply Balances
A growing number of countries are introducing export limits or restrictions to preserve domestic scrap supply for low-carbon steelmaking. These policy shifts, along with changing freight costs and currency movements, are reshaping global flow patterns and contributing to regional price disparities. - Seasonal Supply Tightness and Collection Declines Driving Volatility
Winter weather and reduced demolition and manufacturing activity typically lead to lower scrap collection volumes. This seasonal tightening can help cushion prices—even during periods of softer finished steel prices—creating short-term volatility and rapid market adjustments. - Shift Toward Low-Carbon Steel and EAF Expansion Increasing Scrap Dependence
The global steel industry’s transition toward decarbonization is accelerating the adoption of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology, which relies heavily on ferrous scrap as its primary feedstock. This structural shift is expected to tighten supply availability and support long-term price strength, particularly for premium scrap grades such as #1 Busheling and Shredded Scrap.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap pricing remained stable throughout the past week with no noticeable shifts. #1 HMS held its prior level at $315 per MT, while Shredded Auto Scrap finished unchanged at $365 per MT. HMS 80/20 continued to trade at $255 per MT, and #1 Busheling also stayed flat at $380 per MT, reflecting a steady market with no price adjustments.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
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 Steel Scrap Prices
The price of #1 HMS on the Scrap Monster Price Index reported no change as of Thursday, November 20, 2025. Shredded Auto Scrap prices were flat 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. #1 Busheling prices also were flat over the previous week.
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, unmoved from the beginning of the week. The HMS 80/20 prices were stable. Also, the price of # Busheling recorded no weekly variation.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS’s price on the Scrap Monster Price Index was flat as of Thursday, November 20, 2025. Shredded Auto Scrap witnessed no variation 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 also held steady 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 $1,630 and $1,730 per MT respectively.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices mostly declined on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices recorded week-on-week decline, falling by ↓3.23%.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | ↓3.23% |
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 recorded a decline of ↓3.23% as of Thursday, November 20, 2025.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices edged lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity reported decline by ↓3.23% to end the week at $0.60 per pound.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded decline, falling from $0.62 per pound at the beginning of the week to close at $0.60 per pound as of Thursday, November 20, 2025.
International Comparison
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All the stainless steel scrap categories witnessed decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- 201 SS scrap prices dropped by ↓1.96%, falling from CNY 5,100 per MT to CNY 5,000 per MT.
- 310 SS and 316 SS Solid prices declined by ↓1.30% and ↓1.11% respectively.
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Mills & buy programs- U.S. Steel Mills Boost Production to 1.745M NT, Capacity Utilization Climbs to 76.2%
- Trade/policy- EU Aluminum Scrap Export Restrictions Target Spring 2026 Implementation
- Freight/Logistics- Port of Cleveland Sees Less Cargo Under Steel Tariffs
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Copper: U.S. ↓0.40%– ↓2.15%; China- ↓0.90%; India- ↓0.57%
Aluminum: U.S.-↓1.03%– ↓2.56%; China- ↓1.13%; India- ↓1.89%
Steel: Flat trend across all major regions
- Stainless Steel: U.S. ↓3.23%; China- ↓0.97%; India- ↓0.57%
Expert Quote:
“U.S. recycled steel exports had shrunk by 16.6 percent in the first half of this year compared with early 2024.” — Rolf Willeke, BIR (Ferrous Division statistics adviser)
Outlook
- Stabilised pricing-range near term
U.S. ferrous scrap is showing signs of a “holding pattern” with little price movement expected in the near term (forecast ~ +0.7% month-on-month). - Regional divergence in scrap flows and inventories
In Europe, weak domestic mill demand and full warehouses are causing price declines, whereas export demand in some regions (e.g., to Turkey/North Africa) is providing localized support. - Seasonal supply constraints offering mild upside
Collection typically falls as year-end approaches (outages end, fewer working days), which may restrict supply and prevent major price drops. - Weak finished steel demand dragging scrap volumes
In major markets like India, low steel demand has pulled scrap prices toward five-year lows, signalling demand risk for ferrous scrap. - Structural growth in scrap demand via green steel transition
Over the longer term, scrap remains key feedstock for EAF mills and decarbonised steelmaking, supporting demand beyond current cyclical softness. - Export & trade policy risks creating supply/tightness shifts
Changes in trade flows, export controls or duties (especially in Europe/Asia) may tighten scrap availability regionally and create price volatility.
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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
Which non-ferrous metal do you think has the strongest recovery potential near-term?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which metals experienced the biggest price declines this week?
Copper and aluminum recorded the most significant week-over-week losses, driven by weaker manufacturing activity and reduced buying interest across major consuming regions.
- Are there signs of recovery ahead for non-ferrous scrap?
Some analysts expect potential improvement if electronics and construction sectors rebound, but near-term demand remains subdued.
- How might seasonal trends affect supply in the coming weeks?
Winter typically slows collection and processing volumes, which could tighten supply and help prevent deeper declines in ferrous markets if demand holds steady.
- 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.
