Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- April 10-16, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-04-17 14:34:00
Copper led the market with gains of up to ¢20 across key grades
By Paul Ploumis
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report provides a week-over-week analysis of price trends across key scrap metal segments in North America, drawing on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index for the period April 10–16, 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copper led the market with gains of up to ¢20 across key grades
- Aluminum prices witnessed broad-based rally over the previous week's prices
- Brass market reported modest gains on a weekly basis
- Stainless Steel scrap prices edged higher, displaying modest ferrous market strength
- Steel held steady, reflecting balanced market conditions
Copper scrap markets recorded a broadly firm week-on-week trend, with most grades posting price gains. However, a few grades remained flat on the Index. The strongest increases were seen in #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing and #3 Copper- Light Copper. The biggest week-on-week jump of 3.66% was seen in #3 Copper- Light Copper.
Aluminum scrap prices also showed a modest upward trend on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with most of the listed grades edging higher week over week. All scrap varities, except Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, Aluminum Radiators/Fe and Aluminum Transformers, recorded price jumps on the Index.
Brass and bronze scrap prices recorded modest increases on the Index, continuing the upward momentum from the prior week. Meanwhile, lead scrap markets held steady, with no notable price fluctuations across key global trading hubs.
Zinc scrap prices posted a slight increase over the week. Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices remained flat, signaling balanced supply and demand conditions.
Meanwhile, stainless steel scrap prices recorded slight gains 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.
NON-FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Rising Demand for Sustainable Materials
The strongest structural driver is the global shift toward low-carbon and sustainable raw materials. Recycled non-ferrous metals (aluminum, copper, zinc) require significantly less energy than primary production—up to 95% energy savings for aluminum—making them essential for decarbonization strategies.
Government Regulations & Circular Economy Policies
Governments worldwide are enforcing recycling mandates, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and carbon reduction targets. These policies encourage higher scrap usage in automotive, electronics, and construction sectors.
High Prices of Primary (Virgin) Metals
Elevated and volatile prices of primary metals (especially copper and aluminum) make scrap a cost-efficient substitute. Consequently, manufacturers are seen increasingly shifting to secondary metals in order to protect margins.
Rapid Urbanization & Industrialization
Emerging economies—especially in Asia-Pacific—are driving demand through infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing growth.
Technological Advancements in Recycling
Innovations such as AI-based sorting, automated processing, and blockchain traceability are improving recovery rates and material quality.
Supply Constraints in Primary Mining
Declining ore grades, long project timelines, and regulatory hurdles in mining are tightening primary metal supply. This increases reliance on recycled metals.
In short, The non-ferrous scrap market is no longer purely cyclical—it is increasingly structurally driven by decarbonization, electrification, and resource security.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.0508 per pound as of April 16, 2026, higher by 4.97% over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $13,270.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices trended higher over the past week amid improved market sentiment. #1 Copper Bare Bright rose by ↑3.47%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing increased by ↑3.53%. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also recorded gains, edging up by ↑3.59% on the Index.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.20 | +3.47% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.20 | +3.53% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.20 | +3.59% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright rose by $0.20 per pound as of Thursday, April 16, 2026, marking a weekly gain of ↑3.47%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also increased by $0.20 per pound, up ↑3.53% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing advanced by $0.20 per pound, registering a ↑3.59% rise by week’s end.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index inched up by $0.20 per pound as of Thursday, April 16, 2026, a weekly jump of ↑3.58%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing edged higher by $0.20 per pound, registering an increase by ↑3.65% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had edged higher by ↑3.72%.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index went higher by $0.20 per pound as of Thursday, April 16, 2026, reflecting a weekly increase of ↑3.40%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched higher by $0.20 per pound, registering an upmove by ↑3.45% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices were up by ↑3.51% by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All of the leading copper scrap categories recorded increases on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The top gainers were #2 Copper Wire and Tubing ↑4.55%, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing ↑4.50%, and #1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery ↑4.43%
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The commodity to report the biggest surge in prices was Copper sheet cutting, whose prices were up sharply by ↑9%
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures edged higher by 5.74% over the week to close at USD 3,644.45 per metric ton as of April 16, 2026.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,643.50 per tonne, according to the London Metal Exchange.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a notable uptick in prices, climbing by ↑3,12% to finish higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week in positive territory, rising ↑2.63% week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a healthy gain of ↑3%. UBC prices followed the upward trend, recording a ↑2.97% increase over the same period.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.05 | +3.12% | |
0.03 | +2.63% | |
0.03 | +3.00% | |
0.03 | +2.97% |
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 jump of ↑3.12% as of Thursday, April 16, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by ↑2.63% compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices increased from the previous week's closing price, edging higher by ↑3% during the week, while UBC prices also increased by ↑2.97% on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices showed gains over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire rose by $0.05 per pound, while 6063 Extrusions climbed ↑2.68%. Old Cast advanced ↑3.09% week-on-week, and UBC prices increased by ↑3.03% during the same period.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded an increase of ↑3.12% as of Thursday, April 16, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were up by ↑2.63%, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast increased by $0.03 per Lb. Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week jump by ↑2.94%.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded increase from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Aluminum Transformers and Aluminum Radiators posted the biggest jumps, rising by ↑4.46% and ↑4.31% respectively.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories increased on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum utensil scrap prices surged, recording a week-on-week rise of ↑5.19% from last week’s levels.
- The price of Aluminum ingot scrap also were up by ↑5.06% during the week ended April 16, 2026.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a jump in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices increased by ↑1.52% during the course of the week . Red Brass closed on a higher note, rising by ↑1.45% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.05 | +1.45% | |
0.05 | +1.52% |
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
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, Red Brass prices rose by ↑1.45% as of Thursday, April 16, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted gains, increasing by ↑1.52% on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ended April 16, 2026, Red Brass prices had risen by ↑1.47% compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week increase, edging up by ↑1.56%.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices rose by $0.05 per pound, marking a ↑1.40% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, Yellow Brass prices also moved higher, gaining ↑1.48% on the Scrap Monster Price Index by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded slight increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainer: Brass Cuttings ↑4.02%
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a marginal jump of 1.43% over the prior week to close at USD 1,954 per Ton as of April 16, 2026.
- The closing price of LME Lead 3-month contract was $1,952.50 per metric tonne, as per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices remained stable over the week, indicating a well-balanced market with minimal shifts in supply and demand. Scrap auto battery prices also showed no movement, closing the week at unchanged levels.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Thursday, April 16, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended April 16, 2026, 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, April 16, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted no week-over-week variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Also, Auto Battery prices recorded no change from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories in the region recorded jump in prices over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Zinc Futures closed at USD 3,425.40 per metric ton as of April 16, 2026, edging higer marginally by 2.82%.
- LME Zinc 3-month closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,424.00 per tonne
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices edged higher upon comparison with the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.19%. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted a jump of ↑1.41% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +1.19% | |
0.01 | +1.41% |
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 a jump by ↑1.19% as of Thursday, April 16, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.41% over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended April 16, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded increase from the previous week’s price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed week-over-week jump of ↑1.19% on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, April 16, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices closed at a higher level, recording a jump of ↑1.41% week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a jump of ↑0.30% on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price edged higher during the week ended April 16, 2026, recording a jump of CNY 50 per MT.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a notable jump of ↑3.02% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Growth in EAF Capacity Globally
New EAF installations across North America, Europe, and Asia are expanding scrap consumption capacity. Many legacy blast furnace operations are also being replaced or supplemented with EAFs.
Volatility in Iron Ore and Coking Coal Prices
Fluctuations and elevated costs of primary steelmaking inputs (iron ore and metallurgical coal) make scrap a cost-competitive alternative.
Infrastructure and Construction Demand
Global investments in infrastructure, housing, and urban development continue to support steel demand, particularly in emerging economies.
Automotive Sector Recovery and Transition
The automotive industry remains a major consumer of flat steel and also generates large volumes of obsolete and prompt scrap. Transition to EVs is also altering material flows.
Trade Policies and Export Restrictions
Countries are implementing scrap export controls, tariffs, and localization policies to secure domestic raw materials for steelmaking.
Advancements in Scrap Processing and Sorting
Technological improvements in shredding, separation, and impurity removal are enhancing scrap quality and usability in high-grade steel production.
Bottom line: The ferrous scrap market is transitioning from a cyclical byproduct market to a strategic raw material ecosystem, driven by decarbonization, EAF expansion, and raw material economics. Supply constraints—especially for high-quality scrap—will remain a defining factor in pricing and trade flows.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of April 16, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $409.50 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $599.50 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $392.50 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices showed little week-on-week movement, indicating a stable and balanced market backdrop. #1 HMS remained at previous week levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also experienced no notable price changes during the period.
According to American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.843 million NT during the week ended April 11, 2026. This is ↑0.7% week-on-week and ↑9.4% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 79.8% (compared to 79.1% in the week ending April 4, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-125,000 NT, Great Lakes-515,000 NT, Midwest-311,000 NT, Southern-830,000 NT, Western-62,000 NT
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 HMS prices remained unchanged from the previous week as of Thursday, April 16, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 also recorded no week-over-week movement, while #1 Busheling held steady throughout the period.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
As of Thursday, April 16, 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.
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 remained flat upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices increased on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices recorded jump on a week-on-week basis.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | ↑3.03% |
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 an increase of ↑3.03% as of Thursday, April 16, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered a modest jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity was up by $0.02 per Lb to end the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded an upward movement, rising by $0.02 per Lb during the week ended Thursday, April 16, 2026.
International Comparison
China ↑3.49%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All stainless steel scrap categories recorded jump in prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainers: 201 SS ↑5.08%, 310 SS ↑4.36%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Steel Mill Production- U.S. Raw Steel Output Sees Strong Annual Growth: AISI
- Steel Demand Forecast- Worldsteel Forecasts Global Steel Demand at 1.76B Tonnes by 2027
- Policy action - EU Proposes 180 More Products Under CBAM, Stricter Rules for Export
- Contracts/Mergers/JV- Pueblo steel mill inks new rail contract with Union Pacific Railroad
- Scrap Metal Policy - Recycling associations call for intervention from Competition Commission on scrap metal policy
- Steel Plant Restart- U.S. Steel Announces Plans to Restart Gary Tin Mill
- Steel Tariffs- EU doubles steel tariffs to 50% to curb surge of cheap Chinese imports / New UK steel tariffs threaten British manufacturing, industry warns
- Steel Export/Import- U.S. Steel Imports Climb 6.6% in March, Finished Steel Share at 16%
- Steel Shipment- U.S. Steel Shipments Jump 5.1% in February- AISI
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“The ferrous scrap market appears balanced, but slightly bearish sentiment from buyers suggests prices may come under modest pressure rather than move higher,” said the Fastmarkets analyst team in its latest April outlook.
Market Outlook
Range-Bound Price Trend
Ferrous scrap prices are expected to remain largely range-bound in the near term. Balanced supply-demand dynamics are preventing sharp moves in either direction. While downside risks persist, strong corrections are unlikely without a demand shock.
Mild Bearish Bias in Short Term
Market sentiment currently leans slightly bearish, driven by cautious mill procurement and weak finished steel demand. Buyers are avoiding large inventory positions. This could result in gradual price softening rather than steep declines.
EAF Capacity Expansion to Support Demand
Global expansion of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) capacity will continue to underpin long-term scrap demand. Regions like the US, Europe, and India are increasing scrap-based steelmaking. This creates a structural demand floor for scrap markets.
Weak Finished Steel Demand as Key Risk
The biggest downside risk remains subdued steel consumption, especially in construction and manufacturing sectors. If steel prices weaken further, mills may cut output. This directly impacts scrap demand and pricing momentum.
Export Market Uncertainty (Turkey Factor)
Turkey, the largest importer of ferrous scrap, will continue to influence global pricing. Weak Turkish steel exports and cautious bookings may limit international scrap demand. This keeps global markets sensitive to Turkish buying cycles.
Long-Term Bullish Case Intact (Decarbonization)
Despite short-term weakness, the long-term outlook remains structurally bullish. Decarbonization policies are pushing steelmakers toward scrap-intensive production routes. Scrap is increasingly viewed as a strategic raw material in green steelmaking.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S
- The Fed Beige Book (Wed)
- ISM Manufacturing PMI(Thu)
- Core PCE Price Index (March)
Asia
- China's Q1 GDP Growth Data (Thu)
- Bank of Japan's Interest Rate Decision (JPY)
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What is the biggest driver of current scrap market trends?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which scrap metal recorded the highest gains during the week?
Copper scrap led the market, with key grades such as #1 Bare Bright and #2 Copper Wire posting gains of up to ¢20, supported by improved sentiment and stronger futures prices.
- How did aluminum scrap prices perform during the week?
Aluminum scrap prices showed a broad-based rally, with most grades rising between ~2.5% and 3.1%, driven by stronger futures and steady demand.
- What was the trend in ferrous scrap (steel)?
Steel scrap prices remained flat throughout the week, indicating balanced supply-demand conditions and stable mill buying activity.
- How can I track scrap metal prices in real time?
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.
