Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- April 17-23, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-04-24 07:08:36
Copper scrap markets posted a mixed week-on-week performance, with the majority of grades registering price increases.
By MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report presents a week-over-week assessment of price movements across major scrap metal categories in North America, based on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index for April 17–23, 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copper categories exhibited mixed price trends during the week.
- Aluminum prices recorded a broad-based increase, indicating short-term demand strength.
- The brass market posted modest week-on-week gains.
- Stainless steel scrap prices remained stable.
- Steel prices held steady, reflecting balanced market conditions.
Copper scrap markets posted a mixed week-on-week performance, with the majority of grades registering price increases. Xmas Lights recorded the highest percentage gain, rising by $0.01 (↑3.23%). In contrast, prices of #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #3 Light Copper declined over the week. Meanwhile, Cu/Al Radiator Ends prices remained unchanged compared to the prior week.
Aluminum scrap prices registered a modest week-on-week uptick on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with most listed grades moving higher. All scrap varieties, except Aluminum Radiators/Fe and Aluminum Transformers, recorded price increases on the Index.
Brass and bronze scrap prices posted modest gains on the Index, extending the upward trend observed in the previous week. In contrast, lead scrap markets remained stable, with no significant price movements reported across major global metal trading markets.
Zinc scrap prices showed no change over the week. Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices remained flat, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions.
Similarly, stainless steel scrap prices registered no 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.
NON-FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Primary Metal Prices (LME Trends)
Benchmark prices on exchanges like the London Metal Exchange (LME) directly influence scrap valuations. Higher primary metal prices typically lift scrap prices, as recyclers and consumers adjust procurement strategies.
Global Trade Flows and Export Policies
Export restrictions, tariffs, and import regulations—particularly in major markets like China, the U.S., and the EU—affect scrap availability and regional price differentials.
Scrap Generation and Collection Rates
Availability of obsolete and prompt scrap depends on economic activity, demolition cycles, and recycling infrastructure efficiency. Lower collection rates can tighten supply.
Energy Costs
Recycling non-ferrous metals is energy-intensive, though less so than primary production. Fluctuations in electricity and fuel costs impact processing margins and scrap demand.
Currency Exchange Rates
Since scrap trade is globally priced (often in USD), currency volatility influences competitiveness, especially for exporters and importers in emerging markets.
Inventory Levels and Supply Chain Dynamics
Stock levels held by traders, processors, and consumers can amplify price volatility. Tight inventories often lead to price spikes, while oversupply can pressure margins.
Overall, the market reflects a stable-to-firm outlook, with balanced supply-demand conditions, moderate price support from primary metals, and long-term growth underpinned by the global transition toward circular economy practices.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.0375 per pound as of April 23, 2026, down by USD 0.077 (↓1.26%) over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $13,355.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices reported mixed trend. #1 Copper Bare Bright dropped by 4¢ (↓0.67%), while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also recorded dips, falling by 4¢ per pound on the Index.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.04 | -0.67% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.04 | -0.68% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.04 | -0.69% |
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 dropped by $0.04 per pound as of Thursday, April 23, 2026, marking a weekly loss of ↓0.67%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also decreased by $0.04 per pound, down ↓0.68% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing declined by $0.04 per pound, registering a ↓0.67% fall by week’s end.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index edged lower by $0.04 per pound as of Thursday, April 23, 2026, a weekly decline of ↓0.69%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing reported a decline by $0.04 per pound, registering a dip by ↓0.70% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had dropped by $0.04 (↓0.71%).
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index went down by $0.04 per pound as of Thursday, April 23, 2026, reflecting a weekly decline of ↓0.66%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched lower by $0.04 per pound, registering a downward movement by ↓0.67% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices were down by $0.04 (↓0.68%) by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- Most of the leading copper scrap categories recorded increases on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The top gainers were #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, with prices of both the commodities up by CNY 350 per MT (↑0.36%) each on a weekly basis.
- Copper Transformer Scrap, Cu Yokes, Scrap Electric Motors and Sealed Units held steady week-over-week.
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded slight 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 by INR 6,000 per Ton (↑0.72%).
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures edged higher by USD 62.52 (↑1.76%) over the week to close at USD 3,619.42 per metric ton as of April 23, 2026.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,620.00 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 modest uptick in prices, climbing by $0.03 per Lb (↑1.85%) to finish higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week in positive territory, rising $0.02 per Lb week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a gain of $0.02 per Lb (↑1.98%). UBC prices followed the upward trend, recording a $0.02 per Lb increase over the same period.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.03 | +1.85% | |
0.02 | +1.74% | |
0.02 | +1.98% | |
0.02 | +1.96% |
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 $0.03 per Lb (↑1.85%) as of Thursday, April 23, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by $0.02 per Lb compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices increased from the previous week's closing price, rising by $0.02 per Lb (↑1.98%) during the week, while UBC prices also increased by $0.02 per Lb 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 $0.03 per pound, while 6063 Extrusions climbed $0.04 per Lb (↑3.54%). Old Cast advanced $0.02 per Lb week-on-week, and UBC prices increased by $0.02 per Lb 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 $0.03 per Lb as of Thursday, April 23, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were up by $0.02 per Lb, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast increased by $0.02 per Lb (↑1.96%). Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week jump by $0.02 per Lb.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded modest decline from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet posted the biggest dips, falling by CNY 550 per MT (↓2.39%) each.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a slight jump in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices increased by $0.01 per Lb (↑0.30%) during the course of the week . Red Brass closed on a higher note, rising by $0.01 per Lb during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +0.29% | |
0.01 | +0.30% |
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 $0.01 per Lb as of Thursday, April 23, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted gains, increasing by $0.01 per Lb on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ended April 23, 2026, Red Brass prices had risen by $0.01 per Lb compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week increase, edging up by $0.01 per Lb (↑0.31%).
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices rose by $0.01 per pound, marking a ↑0.28% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, Yellow Brass prices also moved higher, gaining $0.01 per pound 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.
- Both Red Brass and Yellow Brass prices were up by CNY 100 per MT.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories held steady without variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a marginal decline of USD 7.47 per Ton (↓0.38%) over the prior week to close at USD 1,960.13 per Ton as of April 23, 2026.
- The closing price of LME Lead 3-month contract was $1,954.50 per metric tonne, as per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices remained stable over the week, indicating a well-balanced market with minimal shifts in supply and demand. Scrap auto battery prices also showed no movement, closing the week at unchanged levels.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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 23, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ending April 23, 2026, Scrap Auto Batteries prices remained unchanged from the previous week.
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 23, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted a week-over-week decline of CNY 50 per MT each on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- In the meantime, 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 3,463.00 per metric ton as of April 23, 2026, edging higer marginally by USD 26.80 per metric ton (↑0.78%).
- LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,453.00 per tonne
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices were flat over the past week, with all categories maintaining the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices held steady. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted no variation during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | 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 variation as of Thursday, April 23, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were flat over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended April 23, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded no change from the previous week’s price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed no week-over-week variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, April 23, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were unchanged week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a jump of CNY 50 per MT on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price were up marginally by ↑0.30% from the previous week's price during the week ended April 23, 2026.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a modest jump of INR 7,000 per Ton (↑2.05%)over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Steel Production Levels
Scrap demand is directly tied to crude steel output, particularly via Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs). Steady steel production last week supported stable scrap prices, and any ramp-up or slowdown will quickly impact demand.
Finished Steel Demand and Pricing
Demand from construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing influences mills’ scrap purchasing appetite. Balanced finished steel markets are currently limiting aggressive scrap price movements.
Scrap Supply Flow (Obsolete & Prompt)
Collection volumes from demolition (obsolete scrap) and industrial activity (prompt scrap) remain consistent. Stable inflows last week helped maintain equilibrium in pricing.
Export Market Dynamics
Key export destinations such as Turkey, South Asia, and Southeast Asia influence domestic pricing benchmarks. Muted trading activity and stable export bids contributed to flat market conditions.
Inventory Levels at Mills and Yards
Adequate inventory levels among steel mills and scrap processors have reduced urgency in spot buying, leading to limited price volatility.
Macroeconomic and Policy Environment
Interest rates, infrastructure spending, and government policies influence steel consumption outlook. A neutral macro backdrop is currently reinforcing balanced supply-demand conditions in the scrap market.
Overall, the ferrous scrap market is expected to remain stable in the near to medium term, as balanced steel production, steady scrap supply flows, and neutral macroeconomic conditions continue to limit volatility. With subdued export activity, stable input costs, and adequate inventory levels, the market lacks strong directional triggers, suggesting that prices are likely to move within a narrow range unless a significant shift in steel demand or raw material dynamics emerges.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of April 23, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $410.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $595.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $390.00 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices showed little week-on-week movement, indicating a stable and balanced market backdrop. #1 HMS remained at previous week levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also experienced no notable price changes during the period.
According to American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.848 million NT during the week ended April 18, 2026. This is ↑0.3% week-on-week and ↑9.7% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 80.0% (compared to 79.8% in the week ending April 11, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-133,000 NT, Great Lakes-525,000 NT, Midwest-295,000 NT, Southern-823,000 NT, Western-72,000 NT
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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
As of Thursday, April 23, 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.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
As of Thursday, April 23, 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
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices reported no variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices held steady on a week-on-week basis, by recovering all the losses towards the end of the week.
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 recorded no change as of Thursday, April 23, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices witnessed no fluctuation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity held steady during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no movement. The prices were flat during the week ended Thursday, April 23, 2026.
International Comparison
China ↓0.42%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All of the stainless steel scrap categories recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
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 Modest Weekly Jump, Solid YoY Surge / Italy Increased steel production by 10.2% m/m in March
- Steel Summit/Conference - steelTalks Session to Spotlight EMSTEEL's Aman 2.0 Safety Approach
- Industry/Market Trend- Steelworkers to lobby feds for urgent action on existential crisis facing steel industry
- Policy Actions - Mexico eyes early trade deal on steel, aluminum, autos ahead of USMCA
- Sector Earnings - Cleveland-Cliffs earnings on deck as steel prices, costs collide
- Steel Mill- MISA to build $37 million steel plant in Osceola
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“China will continue to dampen steel prices, and therefore ferrous scrap prices outside the US,” said Stephen Mikkelsen, steel and raw materials market analyst associated with industry analysis platform Steelonthenet.
Market Outlook
Steady Steel Production Levels
Continued stable output from Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) mills will support consistent scrap consumption, preventing sharp downside in prices.Moderate Finished Steel Demand
Demand from construction and manufacturing is likely to remain steady but not robust, capping aggressive scrap price increases.Stable Scrap Supply Flows
Collection of both obsolete and prompt scrap is expected to remain adequate, ensuring sufficient availability in the market.Muted Export Demand
Key export markets, particularly Turkey and parts of Asia, may continue to show cautious buying patterns, limiting upside momentum in global scrap prices.Controlled Inventory Levels
Mills are likely to maintain comfortable inventory positions, reducing urgency in procurement and contributing to subdued price volatility.Macroeconomic and Policy Uncertainty
Factors such as interest rates, infrastructure spending, and global economic growth will continue to influence steel demand, with any major shifts potentially altering the scrap market trajectory.
Overall, the ferrous scrap market is expected to remain stable with a slight downside risk bias, unless supported by a meaningful improvement in global steel demand or tightening supply conditions.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S
- March retail sales (Tue)
- Building Permits (Wed)
- FOMC Interest Rate Decision (Wed)
- Q1 GDP (Thu)
Europe
- UK Inflation (Wed)
- April PMIs (Thu)
Asia
- Japanese CPI (Fri)
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What were the key price trends in the scrap metal market during the week?
Copper showed mixed movements, aluminum and brass recorded gains, while steel, stainless steel, zinc, and lead remained largely stable.
- Why did steel scrap prices remain unchanged?
Balanced supply-demand conditions, steady mill production, and muted export activity kept prices stable.
- What is the near-term market outlook?
The market is expected to remain stable, with limited volatility unless driven by shifts in steel demand or raw material costs.
- 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.
