Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- December 23-29, 2025
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-01-02 10:31:11
Copper scrap markets showed a generally upward week-on-week movement, with notable gains across multiple categories.
By Paul Ploumis
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): The weekly market price trends in North America for various scrap metal categories on the Scrap Monster Price Index for the week of December 23-29, 2025 are given in the report that follows:
Copper scrap markets showed a generally upward week-on-week movement, with notable gains across multiple categories, while select categories such as #1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery, Copper Radiators, Cu/Al Radiator Ends, Heater Cores, Romex Wire, Cu/Al Radiators, and Cu/Al Radiators/Fe holding steady on the index. The largest gain was recorded by Xmas Lights, whose prices surged higher by 3.3% week-over-week.
Aluminum scrap prices remained flat across most of the categories on the Scrap Monster Price Index. All scrap varieties, excluding E.C. Aluminum Wire, held steady, upon comparision with the prior week. In the meantime, E.C. Aluminum Wire prices edged higher by 0.76% over the previous week's prices.
Brass and bronze scrap prices remained mostly flat across all major categories last week. The only scrap category to record price variation was Brass Radiator Ends, which was up by 3.23%.
In contrast, lead scrap markets remained steady, with prices unchanged across major trading regions and no notable movements recorded.
Also, Zinc scrap markets experienced no fluctuation over the course of the week.
However, global steel scrap benchmarks edged higher, pointing to a slight recovery in market conditions.
Stainless steel scrap prices also exhibited positive momentum on the Index.
In summary, Copper scrap prices moved higher overall, led by a 3.3% jump in Xmas Lights, while aluminum, brass, bronze, lead, and zinc scrap markets remained mostly flat.
Steel scrap benchmarks and stainless steel scrap prices edged higher, signaling mild improvement in market sentiment.
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 – Movements in LME prices for copper, aluminum, zinc, and nickel directly impact scrap valuations and trading activity.
Industrial and Manufacturing Demand – Demand from construction, automotive, electrical, and packaging sectors determines consumption levels for non-ferrous scrap.
Energy and Power Costs – Recycling is energy-intensive; fluctuations in electricity and fuel prices affect processing costs and scrap margins.
- Import–Export Policies and Trade Flows – Export restrictions, tariffs, and changing trade routes influence regional scrap availability and price spreads.
- Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Goals – IDecarbonization targets and recycling mandates encourage greater use of scrap over primary metals.
- Seasonal and Weather Factors – Weather conditions affect construction activity, scrap generation, logistics, and yard operations, especially in winter or monsoon periods.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices moved higher over the past week on improved market sentiment, with #1 Copper Bare Bright prices moving marginally higher by 0.18%. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing climbed to $5.37 per pound, slightly up by 0.19%, while #2 Copper Wire and Tubing inched up by 0.19%, advancing to $5.27 per pound.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.01 | +0.18% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.01 | +0.19% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.01 | +0.19% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.01 per pound as of Monday, December 29, 2025, a weekly jump of ↑0.18%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing went higher by $0.01 per pound, registering an increase by ↑0.19% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had recorded a rise by ↑0.19% , moving from $5.26 per pound to $5.27 per pound on the Index.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index inched up by $0.01 per pound as of Monday, December 23, 2025, a weekly jump of ↑0.19%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing edged higher by $0.01 per pound, registering an increase by ↑0.19% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had edged higher by ↑0.20% to close the week at $5.07 per pound.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.01 per pound as of Monday, December 29, 2025, a weekly increase of ↑0.18%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched higher by $0.01 per pound, registering a jump by ↑0.18% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices had recorded an increase by ↑0.19% as at the end of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All of the copper scrap categories recorded sharp upmove on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainers: #2 Copper Wire and Tubing ↑5.63%, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing ↑5.56%, Heater Cores ↑5.53%
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, only E.C. Aluminum Wire recorded change in prices. The prices of the commodity edged higher marginally by 0.76% to close the week at $1.32 per Lb on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 6063 Extrusions settled at $1.01 per pound, unchanged from the prior week, while Old Cast prices held steady at $0.87 per pound. UBC prices also remained flat at $0.88 per pound.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +0.76% | |
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 Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a jump of 0.76% as of Monday, December 29, 2025. 6063 Extrusions remained unchanged at $1.01 per pound compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices showed no movement by week’s end, while UBC prices also held steady on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices saw no significant movement over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire ended the week at $1.32 per Lb, up by $0.01 per Lb during the course of the week, while 6063 Extrusions held steady at $0.99 per pound. Old Cast prices remained flat at $0.84 per pound, and UBC prices were also unchanged at $0.86 per pound.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a marginal increase of 0.76% as of Monday, December 29, 2025. 6063 Extrusions were flat at $1.01 per pound, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast witnessed no variation. Also, UBC prices recorded no change week-on-week.
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 prices recorded the biggest jumps, rising by ↑2.00% and ↑1.92% respectively on the Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories edged higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum ingots prices witnessed a jump of INR 3,000 per MT to close at INR 287,000 per Ton.
- The price of Aluminum utensil scrap was up by ↑1.09% during the week ended December 29, 2025.
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 at $3.20 per Lb . Red Brass closed at $3.35 per pound, unchnaged from the the beginning of the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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 Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
The price of Red Brass on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no variation as of Monday, December 29, 2025. Yellow Brass prices also were flat on the Index, maintaining the previous week's price of $3.20 per Lb.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended December 29, 2025, the price of Red Brass had recorded no fluctuation from $3.29 per Lb. Additionally, Yellow Brass prices held steady week-on-week.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass went higher by $0.02 per pound, witnessing a jump of ↑0.58% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Yellow Brass had recorded no variation.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainer: Yellow Brass ↑1.97%
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices stayed flat throughout the week, reflecting stable market conditions. Scrap Auto Battery prices also remained unchanged, closing the week at $0.24 per pound with no movement.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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 Monday, December 29, 2025.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended December 29, 2025, the price of Scrap Auto Batteries maintained previous week’s price level.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Monday, December 29, 2025.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted week-over-week increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The prices of these categories were up by 1.44% and 1.47% respectively over the prior week.
- Auto Battery prices were up by 0.75% to end the week at CNY 6,750 per MT.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainer: Lead ingot ↑1.66%
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
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 at $0.81 per pound. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted no variation during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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 Monday, December 29, 2025. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were flat over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended December 29, 2025, 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 Monday, December 29, 2025. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were unchanged week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a jump of ↑1.55% on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price closed at CNY 16,400 per MT during the week ended December 29, 2025, recording a jump of CNY 250 per MT.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a modest decline of ↓0.66% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Steel Mill Demand and Operating Rates – Scrap prices track mill utilization, order books, and raw material procurement needs.
Finished Steel Prices – Movements in rebar, HRC, and other steel product prices directly influence mills’ willingness to pay for scrap.
Export Market Activity – Demand from major importers and shifts in seaborne scrap flows impact domestic price direction.
Scrap Supply and Obsolete Generation – Collection levels from demolition, manufacturing, and auto recycling affect availability and pricing.
- Energy and Raw Material Costs – Power, natural gas, and alternative inputs such as iron ore and pig iron shape scrap competitiveness.
- Macroeconomic and Seasonal Factors - Construction activity, infrastructure spending, and seasonal slowdowns or restocking cycles drive market sentiment.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices showed upward movement over the past week, indicating a steady market environment. #1 HMS prices surged by 6.35% to end the week at $335 per metric ton, while Shredded Auto Scrap edged higher by 5.48% to $385 per metric ton. HMS 80/20 posted a week-over-week jump of 5.88% to $270 per metric ton, and #1 Busheling were up by 3.95% over the previous week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
20 | +6.35% | |
20 | +5.48% | |
15 | +5.88% | |
15 | +3.95% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
The price of #1 HMS on the Scrap Monster Price Index reported a jump of 6.35% as of Monday, December 29, 2025. Shredded Auto Scrap prices were up by $20 per MT on the Index upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of HMS 80/20 had increased by 5.88%. #1 Busheling prices also were up by 3.95% over the previous week.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices edged higher by $20 per MT on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Shredded Auto Scrap closed the week at $385 per MT, showing a rise of $20 per MT from the beginning of the week. The HMS 80/20 prices were up by $15 per MT. Also, the price of # Busheling recorded a jump of $15 per MT week-over-week.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS’s price on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded 6.35% surge as of Monday, December 29, 2025. Shredded Auto Scrap witnessed a jump of 5.88%, closing the at $385 per MT. By the end of the week, the price of HMS 80/20 had increased by 5.88%. #1 Busheling prices also edged higher by 3.95% over the previous week.
International Comparison
China Flat
China Steel Scrap Prices
- All the steel scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap prices were flat at $1,630 and $1,730 per MT respectively.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices increased on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices recorded jump on a week-on-week basis, edging higher from $0.62 per pound to $0.63 per pound.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +1.61% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a jump of ↑1.61% as of Monday, December 29, 2025.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered a marginal increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity increased by $0.01 per Lb to end the week at $0.63 per Lb.
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 $0.01 per Lb to $0.63 per pound during the week ended Monday, December 29, 2025.
International Comparison
China ↑3.79%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All the stainless steel scrap categories recorded increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top gainers: 201 SS ↑4.72%, 310 SS ↑4.36%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Mills & buy programs- U.S. Steel Output Rises 1.8% YoY Despite Weekly Dip
- Export/Import- The government has set zero quotas for scrap exports from Ukraine for 2026
- Trade/policy- German Steel Recyclers Urge EU to Reconsider Scrap Export Restrictions
- Scrap Market Trends- Steel Price Volatility Report: Hot-rolled vs Cold-rolled vs Rebar Trends
- Global Output- worldsteel Reports 4.6% Decline in Global Steel Output in November
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Steel: ↑5.42%
- Stainless Steel: U.S.-↑1.61% ; China- ↑3.79%
Expert Quote:
“The US ferrous scrap market appears to be entering a holding pattern for November… the Outlook Trend Indicator has edged up to 52.3, indicating slight bullishness, though the increase is modest and suggests minimal pricing momentum.” — Fastmarkets Weekly Scrap Update.
Market Outlook
- Price Stability with Mild Downward Pressure- Imported ferrous scrap prices have edged slightly lower week-on-week in key markets (e.g., Vietnam) as mills carry higher inventories and stay on the sidelines.
- Soft Steel Demand Dampening Scrap Buying- Weak rebar and finished steel demand in major regions is keeping mills selective in scrap procurement, limiting upward price movement.
- alanced Supply–Demand Conditions- Cross-border scrap trade volumes remain stable, indicating resilience in supply chains even as consumption is subdued, which may support price floors.
- Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Adoption Supporting Baseline Demand- The ongoing shift toward EAF steelmaking continues to sustain structural scrap demand, mitigating deeper price declines over the medium term.
- Energy Cost Volatility Influencing Processing Margins- Fluctuating energy and fuel costs are weighing on recyclers’ margins, making them cautious about aggressive scrap purchases and pressuring spot pricing.
This outlook suggests a cautious near-term environment where prices may remain range-bound or soften modestly, with structural demand factors providing baseline support.
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Copper Scrap Prices | Aluminum Scrap Prices | Steel Scrap Prices | Brass Scrap Prices | Scrap Yard Directory | Company Directory | Daily Market Report
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POLL
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the key trend in copper scrap prices last week?
Copper scrap prices moved higher overall, led by a 3.3% week-on-week surge in Xmas Lights, while core grades posted modest gains.
- How did aluminum scrap prices perform during Dec 23-29, 2025?
Aluminum scrap prices were largely flat across categories, with the exception of E.C. Aluminum Wire, which rose by 0.76%.
- What does the overall market sentiment suggest?
The market reflects cautious optimism, with strength in copper and ferrous scrap offsetting stability in most non-ferrous segments.
- 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.
