By North American Scrap Metal Prices: Copper, Brass, and Stainless Flat as Zinc Edges Higher — Week Ended August 13, 2026
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This weekly market report, covering August 7–13, 2026, examines price movements across the key segments of the North American scrap metal industry. Drawing on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index, it highlights weekly price changes, emerging market trends, and the supply, demand, and broader industry factors shaping scrap values and overall trading sentiment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copper scrap prices remained unchanged during the week, with all grades tracked by the Scrap Monster Price Index maintaining their previous week's levels.
- Aluminum scrap exhibited a mixed pricing pattern, with the majority of the grades recording decline over the previous week.
- Brass scrap values recorded no variation from the previous week, indicating muted buying interest and balanced market fundamentals across the North American market.
- Steel scrap prices remained stable throughout the week, supported by steady demand from steel mills and an adequate supply of scrap across the market.
- Stainless steel scrap prices were unchanged during the week, with all tracked grades maintaining their previous price levels.
Copper scrap prices remained flat as steady material availability and balanced buying interest kept the market largely stable. While elevated copper prices and tightening global supply provided underlying support, cautious purchasing activity and limited short-term price movement prevented significant changes across the major scrap grades.
Aluminum scrap prices largely trended lower during the week, with most monitored grades on the Index posting weekly declines. Breakage 50% Recovery was the only category to record a price increase. Meanwhile, Aluminum Radiators, Aluminum Radiators/Fe, Mixed Aluminum Turnings, Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, and Aluminum Transformers remained unchanged from the previous week.
Brass/Bronze Scrap prices remained flat, as relatively balanced supply and demand kept the market range-bound. Also, cautious downstream buying and limited trading momentum prevented significant price adjustments across the tracked grades.
In the meantime, lead scrap markets remained stable, with no price variations reported across key regional markets.
Zinc scrap prices edged higher during the week, with key grades recording modest gains across North American markets. New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast led the advance, posting noticeable increases from the previous week's levels.
Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices remained flat during the week, signaling balanced market fundamentals as ample supply continued to satisfy prevailing demand.
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
- Copper Scrap — Copper fundamentals remained supportive during the week as supply concerns intensified. The DRC's decision to restrict copper concentrate exports added to concerns about raw-material availability, while declining LME inventories pointed to tighter freely available metal.
- Aluminum Scrap — Despite the tight supply situation, aluminum prices showed some downward pressure toward the end of the week. On August 13, SHFE aluminum fell about 0.9%, reflecting softer near-term sentiment across the base-metals complex. This weakness contributed to pressure on several aluminum scrap grades.
- Brass/Bronze Scrap — Brass and bronze scrap continued to take direction primarily from the broader copper market because of their high copper content. Elevated copper prices provided underlying support, but the lack of a decisive week-on-week move in the benchmark market limited the need for major changes in brass and bronze scrap quotations.
- Zinc Scrap — Zinc benefited from generally firm longer-term supply fundamentals but faced mixed short-term trading conditions. Base metals turned lower toward the end of the week, with SHFE zinc down 0.27% on August 13. This combination of underlying support and cautious trading helped keep zinc scrap gains moderate.
- Nickel & Stainless Scrap — Nickel prices also came under pressure as the broader non-ferrous complex weakened. SHFE nickel declined 0.16% on August 13, while stainless steel-related markets remained sensitive to movements in nickel and other alloying metals. This limited upward momentum in nickel-bearing scrap.
- Overall Non-Ferrous Scrap — Demand remained mixed across end-use industries, preventing a broad-based rally in non-ferrous scrap. Infrastructure, electrification, data-center investment and manufacturing continued to support copper and aluminum consumption, while cautious purchasing and tariff uncertainty encouraged buyers to manage inventories carefully.
The August 7–13 period was characterized by strong underlying copper and aluminum supply fundamentals but uneven short-term price momentum. Copper remained particularly supported by supply concerns and U.S.-driven inventory movements, while aluminum faced the unusual combination of historically low LME stocks and softer benchmark pricing. Zinc, nickel and alloy scrap markets were more mixed, resulting in selective rather than broad-based price movements.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.5865 per pound as of August 13, 2026, slightly lower by around ↓0.07% over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, the LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $14,148.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices recorded no variation during the reporting period. All key categories, including #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing held steady week over week.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0 | Nil |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0 | Nil |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
Copper scrap prices paused their recent upward momentum and held steady during the week ended August 13, 2026. Prices for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire & Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire & Tubing remained unchanged from the previous week.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
All copper scrap grades remained unchanged during the previous week, with prices holding at their respective levels from the prior week's close.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
The copper scrap market remained stable during the week, with prices across the tracked grades, including #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire & Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire & Tubing, unchanged from the previous week's closing levels.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- Majority of copper scrap grades recorded week-over-week price declines, while a few held steady on the Index.
- #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded the sharpest weekly declines, with both grades posting a ↓0.39% decrease 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 2,000 per tonne (↓0.21%) from the previous week.
See all Copper daily reports → | Copper Price Index → | Related Copper news →
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures closed at USD 3,241.50 per metric ton as of August 13, 2026, down by $35.00 (↓1.07%) versus the previous week's close of USD 3,276.50 per metric ton.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,258.50 per tonne, per the London Metal Exchange.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Aluminum scrap prices edged lower during the week, with most benchmark grades posting modest declines. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices were down ↓0.68%, while 6063 Extrusions registered a decline of ↓0.95% week over week. Old Cast recorded a sharper decline among the featured grades, falling ↓1.09%, followed closely by UBC, which dropped ↓1.08% over the previous week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| E.C. Aluminum Wire | 0.01 | -0.68% |
| 6063 Extrusions | 0.01 | -0.95% |
| Old Cast | 0.01 | -1.09% |
| UBC | 0.01 | -1.08% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
E.C. Aluminum Wire dropped ↓0.68% as of Thursday, August 13, 2026. 6063 Extrusions inched lower by ↓0.95%. Old Cast decreased ↓1.09%, while UBC prices fell ↓1.08% on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a dip of $0.01 per pound, while 6063 Extrusions declined ↓0.95%. Old Cast decreased ↓1.12% week-on-week, and UBC prices dropped ↓1.10%.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
E.C. Aluminum Wire dropped ↓0.68% week-on-week, while 6063 Extrusions were down ↓0.95%. Old Cast decreased by $0.01 per lb, and UBC prices posted a ↓1.06% decline.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded a modest increase from the previous week's prices.
- Old Cast, Old Sheet, and 6063 Extrusions recorded the largest weekly gains, with prices increasing by CNY 100 per metric ton (↑0.46%).
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All tracked aluminum scrap grades held steady during the week.
- Aluminum Utensil Scrap and Aluminum Ingot witnessed no variation from the previous week's closing prices.
See all Aluminum daily reports → | Aluminum Price Index → | Related Aluminum news →
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was no variation in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass's prices held steady. Red Brass closed flat upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| Red Brass | 0 | Nil |
| Yellow Brass | 0 | Nil |
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 recorded no fluctuation as of Thursday, August 13, 2026. Yellow Brass prices also recorded no variation.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended August 13, 2026, the price of Red Brass had recorded no variation. Additionally, Yellow Brass prices were flat.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass witnessed no change in prices from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Yellow Brass had reported no variation.
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 50 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 (↓0.23%).
See all Brass/Bronze daily reports → | Brass/Bronze Price Index → | Related Brass/Bronze news →
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a slight decline of USD 3.55 per ton (↓0.19%) over the prior week to close at USD 1,888.73 per ton as of August 13, 2026.
- The closing price of the LME Lead 3-month contract was $1,887.00 per metric tonne, per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices traded flat over the week, indicating stable supply-demand fundamentals. Scrap auto battery prices also held steady, closing the week at unchanged levels.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % 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 13, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
Scrap auto battery prices remained stable during the week ending August 13, 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 13, 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 3,737.45 per metric ton as of August 13, 2026, recording a modest increase of USD 40.10 per metric ton (↑1.08%).
- The LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,751.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices edged higher versus the previous week. New Zinc Die Cast prices were up ↑1.12%. Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted a jump of ↑1.22% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| New Zinc Die Cast | 0.01 | +1.12% |
| Old Zinc Die Cast | 0.01 | +1.22% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
New Zinc Die Cast recorded a jump of ↑1.12% as of Thursday, August 13, 2026. Old Zinc Die Cast prices were up ↑1.22% over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended August 13, 2026, New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded increases from the previous week's price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
New Zinc Die Cast posted a week-over-week jump of ↑1.12% as of Thursday, August 13, 2026. Old Zinc Die Cast prices closed higher, recording a ↑1.22% gain week-over-week.
International Comparison
China Zinc Scrap Prices
- Shred Zinc Scrap prices declined by CNY 150 per metric ton (↓0.84%) during the week ended August 13, 2026.
India Zinc Scrap Prices
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week.
- Zinc slab prices witnessed an increase of ↑0.26% over the previous week.
See all Zinc daily reports → | Zinc Price Index → | Related Zinc news →
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
- EAF capacity is changing the scrap-quality equation — The continued expansion of electric-arc-furnace steelmaking is increasing the importance of high-quality prime and obsolete scrap. EAF producers rely heavily on scrap as a metallic input, while tighter availability of prime grades can create stronger competition for busheling and other premium material.
- Scrap quality is becoming more important than volume — Steelmakers are increasingly focused on the chemistry and metallic yield of scrap rather than simply securing larger tonnages. Clean, high-yield material can command stronger interest because it helps EAF mills manage residual elements and improve furnace efficiency.
- Scrap is gaining strategic-commodity status — Governments are increasingly treating ferrous scrap as a strategic raw material because of its role in lower-emission steelmaking. Growing export restrictions and tighter controls on scrap flows could eventually reduce the amount of material available to international buyers, potentially supporting prices in major exporting regions.
- Steelmaking utilization is creating regional differences — U.S. steel production remained relatively strong on a year-over-year basis, but weekly output declined to 1.82 million net tons in the week ending August 8, with capacity utilization at 78.8%. Such changes can produce significant regional differences in scrap demand depending on individual mill operating schedules.
- Finished-steel availability is influencing scrap procurement — The ferrous scrap market cannot be viewed independently from finished steel. Concerns over domestic steel availability and continued restrictions on imports are supporting domestic mills, while stronger steel pricing can improve mill economics and their ability to compete for scrap.
- Energy economics are increasingly relevant to scrap values — For EAF producers, electricity is a major component of production economics. Changes in power costs can alter the relative attractiveness of scrap-based steelmaking and influence mill purchasing behavior, particularly when scrap prices are already elevated. Energy-market volatility therefore has an increasingly direct connection to ferrous scrap demand.
The ferrous market is increasingly being shaped not simply by how much scrap is available, but by what quality of scrap is available, which steelmaking technology is consuming it, and how scrap compares with alternative metallic inputs.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing prices of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of August 6, 2026 are provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) — $384.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) — $584.50 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) — $380.00 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices remained flat week-on-week, signaling stable market fundamentals and balanced supply-demand dynamics. #1 HMS held firm at prior-week levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also traded sideways with no price movement.
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totaled 1.820 million net tons during the week ended August 8, 2026 — down ↓2.70% week-on-week and up ↑3.20% year-on-year. The capability utilization rate stood at 78.8% (versus 81.0% in the week ending August 1, 2026).
Region-wise production: Northeast — 134,000 NT; Great Lakes — 467,000 NT; Midwest — 313,000 NT; Southern — 841,000 NT; Western — 65,000 NT.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 HMS | 0 | Nil |
| Shredded Auto Scrap | 0 | Nil |
| HMS 80/20 | 0 | Nil |
| #1 Busheling | 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
Ferrous scrap prices remained stable during the week ended August 13, 2026, reflecting balanced supply-demand conditions and steady market activity. Major benchmark grades, including #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling, were unchanged from the previous week, indicating a lack of significant pricing pressures across the steel scrap market.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
Ferrous scrap prices showed no week-on-week movement as of August 13, 2026, with all major benchmark grades holding steady. #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling remained unchanged throughout the reporting period, underscoring a balanced and stable steel scrap market.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
Ferrous scrap prices remained broadly stable, with #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling recording no price changes from the prior week.
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 13, 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 13, 2026, maintaining the same level as the previous week.
International Comparison
China — ↓0.44%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- 201 SS prices held steady.
- 304 SS Solid, 304 SS Turning, 309 SS, Shred SS, 316 SS Solid, and 310 SS posted modest price declines during the week ended August 13, 2026.
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 Rises 3.2% Y-o-Y Despite Weekly Decline
- Steel Exports/Imports — AISI: U.S. Steel Import Permits Rise Sharply in July
- Steel Emissions — Emissions-saving furnace fires up at Glenbrook Steel Mill
- Section 232 Tariffs — The US plans to extend Section 232 tariffs to additional derivative products
- Court Ruling — S. Korea court orders Nippon Steel to compensate forced-labor family
- Structural Steel — North American Structural Steel Market Set for Robust Growth Through 2035
Global Comparison & Policy Impact — USA vs. China/India
- Copper: U.S. — Flat; China ↓0.38% | India ↓0.16%
- Aluminum: U.S. ↓0.95%; China ↑0.42% | India Flat
- Steel: Flat
- Stainless Steel: U.S. — Flat; China — ↓0.44%
Expert Quote
"The ferrous scrap market remains highly sensitive to mill margins, freight costs and the availability of competing metallics. While export demand can provide support, steelmakers are continuing to weigh scrap purchases carefully against overall production economics." — Argus Scrap Markets analysis
Market Outlook
- Prices Likely to Stay Range-Bound — Ferrous scrap prices are expected to remain broadly stable over the coming weeks as balanced supply-demand fundamentals continue to limit sharp market movements. Barring any major disruptions, only modest price fluctuations are anticipated.
- Steel Mill Buying to Remain Disciplined — Electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers are likely to maintain measured procurement strategies, purchasing primarily to meet immediate production requirements. This cautious approach should keep upward price momentum in check.
- Seasonal Steel Demand to Shape Consumption — Demand from the construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors will remain a key determinant of scrap consumption. Any seasonal improvement in finished steel orders could provide moderate support to scrap prices.
- Export Markets to Influence Domestic Pricing — Recovery in Turkish import demand or stronger buying from Asian markets could tighten domestic scrap availability and lend support to North American prices. Conversely, weak export activity would keep the market comfortably supplied.
- Obsolete Scrap Supply Expected to Improve — Higher collection volumes as seasonal factors normalize could increase the availability of obsolete grades such as HMS and shredded scrap. Improved supply may cap further price gains unless matched by stronger demand.
- Manufacturing Activity to Drive Market Direction — Industrial production and manufacturing output will remain important indicators for ferrous scrap demand. Sustained factory activity should support steady consumption, while weaker industrial conditions could soften buying interest.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S.
- Mon: Empire State Manufacturing Index (Aug)
- Tue: Housing Starts & Building Permits (Jul), Industrial Production & Capacity Utilization (Jul)
- Wed: FOMC Meeting Minutes
- Thu: Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index (Aug)
- Fri: S&P Global Flash Manufacturing & Services PMI (Aug)
Europe (EU & UK)
- Tue: Germany & Eurozone ZEW Economic Sentiment (Aug)
- Wed: Eurozone Final Inflation Rate / CPI (Jul), United Kingdom Inflation Rate / CPI (Jul)
- Fri: Eurozone Flash Manufacturing & Services PMI (Aug)
Asia & Oceania
- Mon: Japan Real GDP (Q2 - Final), China Retail Sales & Industrial Production (Jul), China Unemployment Rate
- Wed: Japan Balance of Trade (Jul), Bank Indonesia (BI) Interest Rate Decision
- Thu: People's Bank of China (PBOC) Loan Prime Rate (LPR) Setting
- Fri: Japan Inflation Rate / CPI (Jul)
Daily Reports | Scrap Monster Price Index | US Scrap Metal Prices
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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