By MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): North American scrap metal markets saw notable shifts across key categories during August 14–20, 2026, reflecting changing supply-demand conditions and evolving trading sentiment. Using data from the Scrap Monster Price Index, this weekly report reviews price movements across major scrap segments and examines the market trends and industry factors influencing valuations during the week.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Key copper scrap categories recorded a modest decline during the week.
- Aluminum scrap exhibited a mixed pricing pattern, with the majority of the grades recording decline over the previous week.
- The brass scrap market registered a slight week-on-week decrease.
- Steel scrap prices reported a mixed trend on the Index.
- Stainless steel scrap prices were unchanged during the week, with all tracked grades maintaining their previous price levels.
Copper scrap markets remained under pressure, with most major grades posting declines. The steepest drop was seen in #3 Copper- Light Copper, which fell by $0.01 per pound (↓1.94%). Meanwhile, prices for Cu/Al Radiators, Cu/Al Radiators/Fe, Cu/Al Radiator Ends, Scrap Electric Motors, Copper Transformer Scrap, Sealed Units, Xmas Lights, Alternator, and Starters remained unchanged over the week.
The aluminum scrap market experienced predominantly weaker pricing over the week, as most grades tracked by the Index registered declines. Breakage 50% Recovery was the sole category to post a weekly gain. In contrast, prices for Aluminum Radiators, Aluminum Radiators/Fe, Mixed Aluminum Turnings, Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, and Aluminum Transformers were unchanged from the previous week.
Brass and bronze scrap prices posted modest declines on the Index, reversing the flat trend witnessed during the previous week.
The lead scrap market remained broadly steady during the week, with prices holding unchanged across all major regional markets.
Zinc scrap prices declined week-on-week across key regions.New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast reported slight declines from the previous week's levels.
Meanwhile, steel scrap prices showed a mixed trend during the week, with #1 Bundle and #1 Busheling moving higher, Sheet Metal and HMS 80/20 remaining stable, and #1 HMS, Structural Steel, and Shredded Auto Scrap registering declines.
In the meantime, Stainless steel scrap prices remained unchanged throughout the week, with all monitored grades on the Index holding at their previous levels.
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
Softer Aluminum Scrap Demand
Aluminum scrap prices generally moved lower during the week, suggesting relatively subdued buying interest across several grades. Secondary aluminum producers may have remained cautious on new purchases amid adequate inventories. The weakness was broad-based, affecting several aluminum scrap categories. However, the increase in Breakage 50% Recovery indicates that demand was not uniformly weak across all grades.
Stable Lead Scrap Fundamentals
Lead scrap prices remained unchanged across major regional markets, pointing to a relatively balanced supply-demand environment. Buyers and sellers appeared to have limited incentive to significantly adjust transaction prices. Stable demand from lead-acid battery recycling continued to provide underlying market support. The absence of major price movements suggests that inventories and available supply were broadly aligned with consumption.
Steady Scrap Auto Battery Market
Scrap auto battery prices held firm during the week, reflecting stability in the battery recycling chain. Collection volumes and processing demand likely remained sufficiently balanced to prevent significant price adjustments. Demand from secondary lead smelters continued to underpin the market. Stable battery prices also contributed to the overall resilience of the lead-bearing scrap segment.
Regional Supply-Demand Differences
Price performance across non-ferrous categories was not uniform, highlighting differences in regional availability and buying interest. Certain aluminum grades declined while others remained unchanged, indicating varying supply conditions between material types. Regional collection activity, transportation costs, and processor requirements can create significant differences in pricing. These factors are likely to remain important drivers of near-term scrap values.
Secondary Smelter Buying Activity
Purchasing strategies among secondary smelters remained an important influence on non-ferrous scrap prices. Cautious buying can place pressure on aluminum grades when processors have sufficient inventories or face weaker downstream orders. Conversely, sustained feedstock requirements can support prices for specific grades. The mixed performance during the week suggests that processor demand varied by material category.
Metal Price and Commodity-Market Signals
Movements in primary aluminum, lead, copper, and other base-metal markets continue to influence scrap valuations. Scrap buyers typically adjust purchasing levels in response to changes in underlying metal prices and expected margins. Even when scrap supply and demand are stable, changes in exchange-traded metal prices can affect replacement costs and processor bids. The relatively mixed performance of non-ferrous scrap suggests that commodity-market signals were being reflected differently across individual grades.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.4902 per pound as of August 20, 2026, lower by around 12¢ (↓1.86%) over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, the LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $14,036.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices reported an overall weak trend. #1 Copper Bare Bright dropped by 12¢ (↓1.85%), while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also recorded dips, falling by 12¢ per pound on the Index.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.12 | -1.85% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.12 | -1.88% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.12 | -1.91% |
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 $0.12 per pound as of Thursday, August 20, 2026, marking a weekly loss of ↓1.85%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also decreased by $0.12 per pound, down ↓1.88% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing declined by $0.12 per pound, registering a ↓1.91% 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 $0.16 per pound as of Thursday, August 20, 2026, a weekly decline of ↓2.54%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing reported a decline by $0.16 per pound, registering a dip by ↓2.58% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had dropped by $0.16 (↓2.62%).
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index went down by $0.12 per pound as of Thursday, August 20, 2026, reflecting a weekly decline of ↓1.82%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched lower by $0.12 per pound, down ↓1.85% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices were down by $0.12 (↓1.88%) by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap grades, except Copper Transformer Scrap, recorded week-over-week price declines on the Index.
- #2 Copper Wire and Tubing and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded the sharpest weekly declines, posting decreases of ↓1.08% and ↓1.07% respectively in price.
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded a week-over-week decline.
- Copper Sheet Cutting recorded the strongest price dip, falling by INR 11,000 per tonne (↓1.18%) from the previous week.
See all Copper daily reports → | Copper Price Index → | Related Copper news →
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures closed at USD 3,187.50 per metric ton as of August 20, 2026, down by $60.20 (↓1.85%) versus the previous week's close of USD 3,247.70 per metric ton.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,205.00 per tonne, per the London Metal Exchange.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Aluminum scrap prices edged lower during the week, with most benchmark grades posting modest declines. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices were down sharply by ↓2.72%, while 6063 Extrusions registered a decline of ↓1.92% week over week. Old Cast recorded a decline, falling ↓2.20%, followed closely by UBC, which dropped ↓2.17% over the previous week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| E.C. Aluminum Wire | 0.04 | -2.72% |
| 6063 Extrusions | 0.02 | -1.92% |
| Old Cast | 0.02 | -2.20% |
| UBC | 0.02 | -2.17% |
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 $0.04 per Lb (↓2.72%) as of Thursday, August 20, 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 (↓2.20%) during the week, while UBC prices also fell by $0.02 per Lb on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
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 (↓1.92%). 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.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a fall of $0.04 per Lb as of Thursday, August 20, 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 (↓2.17%). Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week decline by $0.02 per Lb.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded a 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 350 per MT (↓1.63%) each.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories inched lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum utensil scrap prices were down by INR 2,000 per Ton (↓0.59%)
See all Aluminum daily reports → | Aluminum Price Index → | Related Aluminum news →
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
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 $0.02 per Lb (↓0.56%) during the course of the week . Red Brass closed on a lower note, posting a decline of $0.02 per Lb during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | -0.54% | |
0.02 | -0.56% |
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 dropped by $0.02 per Lb as of Thursday, August 20, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted dip in prices, down by $0.02 per Lb on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ended August 20, 2026, Red Brass prices had dipped by $0.02 per Lb compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week decline, edging lower by $0.02 per Lb (↓0.57%).
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices dipped by $0.02 per pound, marking a ↓0.52% decline from the previous week. Also, Yellow Brass prices moved lower, recording a dip of $0.02 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 a slight decline.
- Red Brass and Yellow Brass prices each declined by CNY 150 per metric ton.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories saw a dip in prices.
- Brass Cuttings recorded the largest weekly decline, falling INR 1,000 per tonne (↓0.24%).
See all Brass/Bronze daily reports → | Brass/Bronze Price Index → | Related Brass/Bronze news →
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a slight increase of USD 9.42 per ton (↑0.50%) over the prior week to close at USD 1,905.00 per ton as of August 20, 2026.
- The closing price of the LME Lead 3-month contract was $1,902.00 per metric tonne, per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: The lead scrap market remained flat throughout the week, reflecting balanced supply and demand conditions. Scrap auto battery prices likewise showed no movement, ending the week at levels unchanged from the previous week.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| Scrap Auto Batteries | 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 held steady as of Thursday, August 20, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
Scrap auto battery prices remained stable during the week ending August 20, 2026, with no change recorded compared to the previous week's levels.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change as of Thursday, August 20, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Auto Battery prices held steady when compared with the previous week.
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices recorded slight increases of ↑0.37% and ↑0.38%, respectively.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- The prices of all lead scrap categories in the region remained flat over the previous week.
See all Lead daily reports → | Lead Price Index → | Related Lead news →
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Zinc Futures closed at USD 3,748.60 per metric ton as of August 20, 2026, recording a modest decline of USD 9.65 per metric ton (↓0.26%).
- The LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,760.00 per tonne.
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 | -1.11% | |
0.01 | -1.20% |
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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 dip by $0.01 per Lb as of Thursday, August 20, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were down by $0.01 per Lb over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ending August 20, 2026, prices for both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast declined by $0.01 per lb compared to the previous week.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
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, August 20, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were down by $0.01 per Lb week-over-week.
International Comparison
China Zinc Scrap Prices
- Shred Zinc Scrap prices declined by CNY 250 per metric ton (↓1.41%) during the week ended August 20, 2026.
India Zinc Scrap Prices
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week.
- Zinc slab prices witnessed an increase of ↑0.50% over the previous week.
See all Zinc daily reports → | Zinc Price Index → | Related Zinc news →
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Cautious Steel Mill Buying
Steel mills have maintained a relatively measured approach to scrap procurement, limiting significant upward price momentum. August trading has been described as quiet, with some market participants anticipating softer conditions heading into September. This cautious purchasing behavior is particularly important for common grades such as HMS and shredded scrap.
Stable-to-Softer September Outlook
Market sentiment is increasingly pointing toward a potentially softer September scrap market. Suppliers have been focused on fulfilling existing orders, while expectations for the next buying cycle remain mixed. If mills enter September with adequate inventories, purchasing pressure could weaken further. This could keep ferrous scrap prices under pressure in the near term.
Mill Operating Rates and Steel Production
Domestic mill operating rates remain an important support for ferrous scrap demand. Strong utilization generally translates into consistent feedstock requirements, particularly for EAF producers that rely heavily on scrap. Recent market commentary indicates that relatively high mill operating rates have helped support demand for prime grades such as busheling. Any reduction in operating rates, however, could quickly weaken scrap buying interest.
Prime Scrap Demand
Prime grades such as #1 Busheling and #1 Bundle continue to benefit from demand linked to flat-rolled steel production. Market participants have noted stronger conditions for prime scrap alongside firm flat-rolled steel pricing. This helps explain why prime grades can outperform obsolete grades during periods of mixed market conditions. Continued strength in flat-rolled markets should remain a key factor for premium scrap grades.
Export Market Conditions
Export demand remains an important external influence on US ferrous scrap pricing. US iron and steel scrap exports increased in June, but recent market assessments indicate that export prices on the US West Coast have remained broadly sideways. Weak or stable overseas buying can limit the ability of domestic suppliers to push prices higher. International demand will therefore remain an important factor in determining the direction of US scrap prices.
Steel Pricing and Mill Margins
Finished steel prices and mill profitability continue to influence scrap purchasing decisions. When steel prices strengthen while mills maintain healthy margins, producers generally have greater flexibility to pay for higher-quality scrap. Conversely, weak downstream demand and compressed margins can encourage mills to reduce scrap bids. Current market commentary suggests that this relationship is particularly important for prime grades.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing prices of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of August 20, 2026 are provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) — $384.50 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) — $583.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) — $380.00 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices displayed a mixed trend on the Index. #1 Bundle and #1 Busheling prices edged higher, while Sheet Metal and HMS 80/20 prices held steady. #1 HMS and Structural Steel prices were down by ↓1.41% each. Shredded Auto Scrap recorded a smaller decline of ↓1.19% on the Index.
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totaled 1.833 million net tons during the week ended August 15, 2026 — up ↑0.70% week-on-week and up ↑3.90% year-on-year. The capability utilization rate stood at 78.2% (versus 78.80% in the week ending August 8, 2026).
Region-wise production: Northeast — 140,000 NT; Great Lakes — 479,000 NT; Midwest — 318,000 NT; Southern — 830,000 NT; Western — 66,000 NT.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 HMS | 5 | -1.41% |
| Shredded Auto Scrap | 5 | -1.19% |
| HMS 80/20 | 0 | Nil |
| #1 Busheling | 5 | +1.11% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
Ferrous scrap prices witnessed a mixed trend during the week ended August 20, 2026. The steel scrap market showed a mixed performance on the Index during the week. Prices for #1 Bundle and #1 Busheling moved higher, while Sheet Metal and HMS 80/20 remained unchanged. Meanwhile, #1 HMS and Structural Steel prices each declined by ↓1.41%, while Shredded Auto Scrap posted a more moderate weekly drop of ↓1.19%.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
The steel scrap market delivered a varied performance over the week, with price movements differing across major grades. #1 Bundle and #1 Busheling recorded gains, while Sheet Metal and HMS 80/20 were unchanged. On the downside, #1 HMS and Structural Steel each fell by ↓1.41%, whereas Shredded Auto Scrap registered a smaller decline of ↓1.19%.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
Steel scrap prices moved in different directions across the Index during the week. #1 Bundle and #1 Busheling advanced, while Sheet Metal and HMS 80/20 prices remained stable. In contrast, #1 HMS and Structural Steel each declined by ↓1.41%, with Shredded Auto Scrap posting a relatively modest ↓1.19% drop.
International Comparison
China — Flat
China Steel Scrap Prices
- All steel scrap categories held steady.
- #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap prices remained flat versus the previous week.
See all Steel daily reports → | Steel Price Index → | Related Steel news →
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: The stainless steel scrap market showed little movement over the week, with major grades maintaining their previous price levels. 304 SS Solid scrap was among the grades that recorded no week-on-week change.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| 304 SS Solid | 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
304 SS Solid recorded no variation as of Thursday, August 20, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered no change. The price of the commodity held steady during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid remained unchanged during the week ended August 20, 2026, maintaining the same level as the previous week.
International Comparison
China — ↑0.89%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All listed stainless steel grades edged higher on the Index.
- The biggest jump in prices was seen in 201 SS (↑1.68%) and 310 SS (↑1.48%).
See all Stainless Steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless Steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- U.S. Steel Mill Production — U.S. Raw Steel Output Jumps 3.9% Year Over Year in Mid-August
- Steel Mill Investments — Gov. Gianforte Highlights $20 Million Expansion at Allied Steel in Lewistown / Johnstown steel mill awarded $664K for sidewalk improvements / Nucor Invests $59M to Expand Vulcraft Steel Production in Indiana / Steel manufacturer to invest more than $59 million to expand St. Joe operations
- Tariifs/Quotas — U.S. to halve tariffs on Canada steel, aluminum, reports say / EU Steel Quota Changes Trigger Mixed Market Reaction
- Steel Output — China's easing steel output reflects divergent demand drivers
- Metal Recycling — Global Scrap Metal Recycling Market to Reach $711.8B by 2034
- Mill Accident — Worker killed on job at steel plant in Northwest Indiana
Global Comparison & Policy Impact — USA vs. China/India
- Copper: U.S. — ↓0.63%- ↓1.94%; China ↓1.06% | India ↓0.87%
- Aluminum: U.S. ↓2.25%; China ↓1.45% | India ↓1.56%
- Steel: ↓0.37%
- Stainless Steel: U.S. — Flat; China — ↑0.89%
Expert Quote
“August has been quiet thus far, with scrap suppliers working on completing their current orders as signals of a weaker September start to appear.” — Stephen Miller, Steel Market Update
Market Outlook
Near-Term Prices Likely to Remain Range-Bound
Ferrous scrap prices are likely to trade within a relatively narrow range in the immediate weeks ahead. Balanced supply and demand are limiting the scope for either a sharp rally or a major correction. Recent Index movements, with gains in some prime grades offset by declines in obsolete grades, reinforce this sideways outlook. The next major price direction will depend largely on September mill buying activity.
September Buying Could Bring Mild Downside Pressure
The transition into September could create some downward pressure on scrap prices if mills remain cautious with procurement. Recent market commentary indicates that August trading has been relatively quiet, with some signals pointing toward a weaker September start. If mills enter the new buying cycle with adequate inventories, they may have limited urgency to raise bids. This would particularly affect readily available obsolete grades.
Prime Grades Likely to Outperform Obsolete Scrap
#1 Busheling and #1 Bundle should remain comparatively resilient because of their importance to EAF and flat-rolled steel production. Recent market performance already shows these prime grades holding up better than several obsolete categories. Stronger mill utilization and continued demand for higher-quality feedstock could provide additional support. Consequently, the spread between prime and obsolete grades may remain relatively firm.
EAF Steelmaking Provides Structural Support
The growing role of electric arc furnaces (EAFs) remains one of the strongest medium-term fundamentals for ferrous scrap demand. More than half of U.S. steel production relies on recycled ferrous scrap, with EAF mills particularly dependent on this feedstock. This structural dependence should limit the potential for prolonged weakness in scrap demand. Over the medium term, continued EAF utilization should provide a solid underlying floor for scrap prices.
Scrap Supply Could Become a Key Price Driver
Scrap availability will become increasingly important if mill buying strengthens later in the year. Adequate dealer inventories and normal collection flows could keep prices contained in the near term. However, tighter obsolete scrap flows would quickly increase competition among mills for available material. Any seasonal reduction in collection volumes could therefore provide price support.
Steel Mill Production and Margins Will Determine Buying Appetite
The outlook for scrap remains closely linked to steel production rates and mill profitability. Higher EAF utilization increases scrap consumption and can encourage mills to compete more actively for suitable grades. Conversely, production cuts, maintenance outages or weaker finished-steel demand could reduce scrap requirements. The current market therefore remains highly sensitive to changes in mill operating rates and steel margins.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S.
- Mon: NY Fed Survey of Consumer Expectations (SCE) Labor Market Survey.
- Tue: Conference Board (CB) Consumer Confidence and New Residential Sales data.
- Wed: Advance Durable Goods Orders and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 2nd Release for Q2, Personal Income and the PCE Deflator (Core PCE Inflation)
- Thu: Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's key speech on monetary policy at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium.
Europe (EU & UK)
- Tue: German Final GDP (Q2) breakdown and the German Ifo Business Climate Index.
- Thu: Eurozone Economic Sentiment Indicator and Consumer Confidence final numbers.
- Fri: Eurozone Flash Consumer Price Index (CPI), French and Italian Preliminary CPI data releases.
Asia & Oceania
- Tue: Bank of Japan (BoJ) Core CPI.
- Thu: China Industrial Profits (Year-to-Date).
- Fri: Tokyo Core CPI.
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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
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