Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- December 5-11, 2025
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2025-12-12 15:51:15
Copper scrap prices posted a mostly positive week-on-week trend, with several categories recording solid gains.
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 5-11, 2025 are given in the report that follows:
Copper scrap prices posted a mostly positive week-on-week trend, with several categories recording solid gains. A few segments such as Alternator, Heater Cores, Sealed Units, Starters and Xmas Lights remained unchanged on the index. In the meantime, Copper Transformer Scrap and Scrap Electric Motors prices were down by 1.72% and 2.22% respectively. The sharpest increase came from Cu/Al Radiators/Fe, which surged by 1.71% over the week.
Aluminum scrap prices mostly remained flat across most of the categories on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The only commodities to report variation in prices were Al/Cu Radiators and Al/Cu Radiators/Fe. The price of Al/Cu Radiators inched up by 1.57% week-over-week. Also, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe prices edged higher by 1.71% to end the week at $2.38 per Lb on the Index. The rest of the commodities held steady.
Brass and bronze scrap prices posted gains across all key categories last week, bolstered by heightened purchasing activity and sustained demand for these alloy metals.
In contrast, lead scrap markets were stable, with prices holding flat across key trading regions and showing no significant shifts.
Zinc scrap markets recorded slight upward momentum during the week.
Global steel scrap benchmarks —Mostly remained flat. The only exception was Shredded Auto Scrap, which saw a reduction in prices over the previous week, reflecting market weakness.
Stainless steel scrap prices recorded weakness, with North America and China both reporting steady declines across most stainless grades.
In summary, Scrap metal markets showed mixed movements last week. Copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, and zinc categories recorded selective gains, while lead prices held flat. Steel and stainless steel benchmarks were mostly stable to weaker, with declines noted in Shredded Auto Scrap and several stainless grades.
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
- Trade Policies and Tariffs
Import/export duties, sanctions, and trade agreements influence market flows, pricing dynamics, and regional competitiveness. Supply Constraints and Mining Output
Disruptions in mining, lower ore grades, labor strikes, or regulatory limits can reduce supply and push prices higher.Global Economic Conditions
Economic growth or contraction impacts metal consumption, investment sentiment, and overall commodity pricing.- Scrap Availability and Collection Rates
Seasonal variations, consumer recycling patterns, and industrial scrap generation directly alter supply in the secondary metals market. - Inventory Levels at Exchanges and Producers
Stocks held on exchanges such as the LME and by major producers serve as indicators of market tightness or surplus, influencing price direction. - Investment and Speculative Activity
Commodity funds, hedge funds, and large financial institutions influence short-term price volatility through speculative buying and selling.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices edged higher over the past week, supported by strengthening market sentiment. #1 Copper Bare Bright rose by 0.75%, and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing advanced to $5.29 per pound, up 0.76% from the beginning of the week. Prices for #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also increased, moving from $5.15 to $5.19 per pound and registering a 0.78% weekly gain.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.04 | +0.75% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.04 | +0.76% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.04 | +0.78% |
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 $0.04 per pound as of Thursday, December 11, 2025, a weekly jump of ↑0.75%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing went higher by $0.04 per pound, registering an increase by ↑0.76% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had recorded a rise by ↑0.78% , moving from $5.15 per pound to $5.19 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 $0.04 per pound as of Thursday, December 11, 2025, a weekly jump of ↑0.78%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing edged higher by $0.04 per pound, registering an increase by ↑0.79% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had edged higher by ↑0.81% to close the week at $4.99 per pound.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.04 per pound as of Thursday, December 11, 2025, a weekly increase of ↑0.74%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched higher by $0.04 per pound, registering a jump by ↑0.75% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices had recorded an increase by ↑0.77% as at the end of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All of the copper scrap categories, except Sealed Unita and Scrap Electric Motors, edged lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: #2 Copper Wire and Tubing ↓0.69%, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing ↓0.68%, Heater Cores ↓0.67%
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded week-over-week increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was no change in aluminum scrap prices. The prices of E.C. Aluminum Wire were flat at $1.29 per Lb on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 6063 Extrusions closed at $0.99 per pound, maintaining the previous week's price. Old Cast prices were unchanged at $0.85 per Lb over the previous week. Also, the price of UBC remained stable at $0.85 per pound.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | 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 Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no variation as of Thursday, December 11, 2025. 6063 Extrusions were flat at $0.99 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.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Over the previous week, there was no major changes in aluminum scrap prices. E.C. Aluminum Wire’s prices were unchanged to close the week at $1.29 per pound. 6063 Extrusions closed at $0.97 per pound, maintaining the previous week's price. Old Cast prices were unchanged at $0.82 per Lb over the previous week. Also, the price of UBC remained stable at $0.84 per pound.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no change as of Thursday, December 11, 2025. 6063 Extrusions were flat at $0.99 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 decline from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet prices recorded the biggest dips, falling by ↓2.27% each on the Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories remained flat Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum ingots prices held steady at INR 278,000 per Ton.
- The price of Aluminum utensil scrap was unchanged at INR 269,000 per Ton during the week ended December 11, 2025.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a modest increase of ↑0.62% in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices edged higher by ↑0.63%. Red Brass closed at $3.32 per pound, up ↑0.61% from the beginning of the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | +0.61% | |
0.02 | +0.63% |
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 an increase by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, December 11, 2025, a weekly jump of ↑0.61%. Yellow Brass edged higher by $0.02 per pound, recording a jump by ↑0.63% from the prior week.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended December 11, 2025, the price of Red Brass had increased by ↑0.62% to $0.02 more per pound. Additionally, Yellow Brass prices recorded week-on-week jump by ↑0.65%.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass went higher by $0.02 per pound, witnessing a jump of ↑0.59% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Yellow Brass had increased by ↑0.62%, moving higher by $0.02 per pound.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Brass Radiator ↓0.15%
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 remained unchanged throughout the week, maintaining a steady market profile. Scrap Auto Battery values held consistent at $0.24 per pound by the end of the week, indicating stable market conditions with no notable shifts.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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, December 11, 2025.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended December 11, 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 Thursday, December 11, 2025.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The prices of these categories were down by 0.36% each over the prior week.
- Auto Battery prices were unchanged at CNY 6,750 per MT.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories recorded week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Lead ingot ↓0.55%
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices edged higher during the past week, with various categories recording marginal gains. New Zinc Die Cast jumped by $0.01 per Lb to end the week at $0.84 per pound, while Old Zinc Die Cast recorded a jump of 1.43% by week’s end.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +1.20% | |
0.01 | +1.43% |
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 an increase of $0.01 per Lb as of Thursday, December 11, 2025. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices inched up by 1.43% over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended December 11, 2025, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded increase from the previous week’s price levels. New Zinc Die Cast prices were up by 1.2%, while Old Zinc Die Cast prices edged higher by 1.43% week-on-week.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast recorded week-over-week increase by 1.20% on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, December 11, 2025. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were up by 1.43% week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a dip of ↓0.31% on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price closed at CNY 16,250 per MT during the week ended December 11, 2025.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices edged higher by ↑1.29% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Steel Mill Production Levels: Output from electric arc furnaces (EAFs) and integrated mills directly affects scrap demand, as higher steelmaking activity increases consumption.
Raw Material Competition (Iron Ore & Pig Iron) : Price movements in iron ore, pig iron, and HBI determine whether mills switch between virgin materials and scrap, influencing scrap demand.
Export Market Dynamics and Trade Policies: Export demand from regions such as Turkey, Asia, and the Middle East—plus tariffs, quotas, or restrictions—shapes domestic supply-demand balance.
Currency Exchange Rates: FX movements, especially the U.S. dollar, affect global purchasing power and competitiveness of exported ferrous scrap.
- Downstream Demand from Construction and Manufacturing: Structural steel, rebar, flat products, and specialty steels depend on end-use demand. Growth in construction, automotive, infrastructure, shipbuilding, and machinery drives upstream production and raw material pull-through.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap pricing remained mostly stable throughout the past week with a minor jump in Shredded Auto Scrap. #1 HMS held its prior level at $315 per MT, while Shredded Auto Scrap prices were up by $5 per MT to end the week at $365 per MT over the week. HMS 80/20 continued to trade at $255 per MT, and #1 Busheling also stayed flat at $380 per MT, reflecting a stable market.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
5 | +1.39% | |
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
The price of #1 HMS on the Scrap Monster Price Index reported no change as of Thursday, December 11, 2025. Shredded Auto Scrap prices were up by $5 per MT on the Index upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of HMS 80/20 had recorded no change. #1 Busheling prices also were flat over the previous week.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Shredded Auto Scrap closed the week at $365 per MT, rising by $5 per MT from the beginning of the week. The HMS 80/20 prices were stable. Also, the price of # Busheling recorded no weekly variation.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS’s price on the Scrap Monster Price Index was flat as of Thursday, December 11, 2025. Shredded Auto Scrap witnessed a jump of $5 per MT to close the week at $365 per MT. By the end of the week, the price of HMS 80/20 had recorded no fluctuation. #1 Busheling prices also held steady 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 declined on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices recorded week-on-week dip, falling from $0.61 per Lb to $0.60 per Lb.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | -1.64% |
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 dip of 1.64% as of Thursday, December 11, 2025.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered a marginal decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity dropped by $0.01 per Lb to end the week at $0.60 per Lb.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a downward movement, falling by $0.01 per Lb to $0.60 per pound during the week ended Thursday, December 11, 2025.
International Comparison
China ↓0.49%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All the stainless steel scrap categories recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top losers: 201 SS ↓0.99%, 201 SS ↓0.97%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Mills & buy programs- U.S. Steel Output Shows Minor Weekly Dip
- Trade/policy- German industry associations warn EC against restrictions on scrap exports
- Market Trends- The future of innovation in American steel
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Copper: U.S. ↑0.75%– ↑1.71%; China- ↓0.64%; India- ↑0.82%
Steel: Mostly flat trend across all major regions, with slight jump in Shredded Auto Scrap
- Stainless Steel: U.S.-↓1.64% ; China- ↓0.49%
Expert Quote:
“Steelmakers are approaching the ferrous scrap market with measured buying activity due to softer finished steel demand, resulting in a delicate balance between available supplies and mill intake.” - senior commodity analyst at BigMint.
Market Outlook
- Range-Bound Pricing with Regional Divergence — Ferrous scrap values are expected to remain largely range-bound, with modest volatility driven by regional mill demand. Markets with robust EAF utilization may see firmer pricing, while oversupplied regions may trend flat to slightly weaker.
- Moderate Demand Recovery from Steel Mills— As steelmakers gradually lift production from current subdued levels—particularly in construction-linked long products—scrap intake is likely to improve, though the pace will remain measured until downstream demand strengthens.
- Tightness in Prime Scrap Categories — Continued scarcity of prime grades (such as busheling) due to restrained automotive and manufacturing output will support premiums and keep prime-grade prices elevated relative to obsolete grades.
- Soft Export Demand Limiting Upside Momentum — Key importers such as Turkey and parts of Asia are showing cautious mill booking patterns. Without a decisive rebound in export purchasing, domestic markets may lack strong upward price catalysts.
- Seasonal Supply Fluctuations and Weather Constraints — Winter-season scrap flows typically slow due to reduced demolition and collection activity, potentially tightening supply. Any extended weather-related disruptions may temporarily firm prices before stabilizing in the spring.
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POLL
Considering cautious mill buying and subdued finished steel demand, what is the most likely near-term trajectory for ferrous scrap prices?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did copper scrap prices perform during the week December 5-11, 2025?
Copper scrap posted mostly positive week-on-week movement. Several grades, including #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire & Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire & Tubing, recorded gains between 0.75% and 0.78%. A few categories such as Alternator and Heater Cores remained unchanged, while Copper Transformer Scrap and Scrap Electric Motors declined by 1.72% and 2.22%, respectively.
- Did aluminum scrap prices show any volatility?
No. Aluminum scrap remained largely flat across North America, with E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast, and UBC all holding steady. Only Al/Cu Radiators and Al/Cu Radiators/Fe recorded slight upticks of 1.57% and 1.71%.
- What were the major non-ferrous market drivers this week?
Non-ferrous scrap prices were influenced by trade policies, mine supply constraints, global economic conditions, scrap generation levels, inventory at major exchanges, and speculative activity that can amplify short-term price moves.
These factors interact: tighter mine output and low exchange stocks generally support prices, while weak macro data or policy uncertainty can cap rallies.
- 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.
- What should scrap yards focus on when copper moves up but motors and transformers drop?
Yards should prioritize buying and moving clean copper grades that track refined prices, while tightening buy levels or slowing intake on Copper Transformer Scrap and Scrap Electric Motors when those categories show week-on-week declines.
Adjusting scale prices by grade and monitoring percentage changes helps protect margins while staying competitive locally.
