Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- February 13-19, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-02-20 14:01:32
Aluminum scrap prices were largely stable on the Scrap Monster Price Index, except for E.C. Aluminum Wire, which slipped 0.72% from the prior week.
By 
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): The report reviews week-over-week price trends across major scrap metal categories in North America, based on figures released by the Scrap Monster Price Index for February 13–19, 2026.
Copper scrap markets exhibited a mixed performance during the assessment period. Most copper grades posted slight week-on-week declines, led by #3 Copper–Light Copper scrap, which registered the sharpest drop at 0.93% compared with the previous week. However, a few copper categories remained unchanged over the same timeframe.
Aluminum scrap prices were largely stable on the Scrap Monster Price Index, except for E.C. Aluminum Wire, which slipped 0.72% from the prior week.
Brass and bronze scrap prices showed no week-over-week variation. Similarly, lead scrap markets remained firm, with no price changes reported across key trading regions.
Zinc scrap prices also held steady throughout the week. In addition, global steel scrap benchmark prices recorded no movement, reflecting balanced supply-demand dynamics.
Stainless steel scrap prices were likewise unchanged, underscoring stable market sentiment during the week under review.
In short, Copper scrap prices showed a mixed trend, with some grades edging lower week-on-week, while other categories remaining flat. Aluminum scrap prices were largely stable, except for E.C. Aluminum Wire. Brass, bronze, lead, zinc, steel scrap benchmarks, and stainless steel prices all held steady, reflecting broadly stable market conditions.
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
- Demand from Manufacturing and Industrial Sectors – Strong consumption of non-ferrous metals in construction, automotive (especially EVs), electronics, and aerospace boosts demand for recycled copper, aluminum, lead and other metals as secondary raw materials.
- Virgin Metal Price Levels – When prices for primary non-ferrous metals rise, recycled scrap becomes more cost-attractive to smelters and foundries, increasing scrap demand and often elevating prices.
Environmental Regulations & Sustainability Policies – Government mandates and circular economy laws (e.g., recycled content requirements) incentivize metal recycling and discourage landfill disposal, expanding scrap utilization.
Supply Chain and Trade Dynamics – Import/export policies, tariffs, export controls or regional overcapacity affect scrap flows and availability, creating price volatility or supply imbalances. Recent export debates around aluminum scrap in Europe illustrate this trend.
- Electronic Waste & Urban Mining – Growing volumes of e-waste and urban mining initiatives increase availability of high-value non-ferrous scrap recovery from electronics, driving both supply and quality of feedstock.
- Industrial Growth & Urbanization in Emerging Markets – Rapid infrastructure build-out in Asia and other emerging regions raises long-term non-ferrous metal demand, reinforcing scrap recycling as a critical feedstock source.
These drivers combine demand-side pressures with regulatory, technological and macroeconomic influences that collectively shape pricing, flows and investment in the non-ferrous scrap sector.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices trended downward during the past week amid muted trading activity and restrained buying interest. #1 Copper Bare Bright fell 0.88%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing declined 0.89%. In addition, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded a 0.91% week-on-week decrease.
Charts
The table below highlights 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 | 0.05 | -0.88% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.05 | -0.89% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.05 | -0.91% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright fell by $0.05 per pound as of Thursday, February 19, 2026, marking a week-on-week decline of ↓0.88%. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing also dropped by $0.05 per pound, down ↓0.89% from the previous week. Likewise, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing registered a ↓0.91% decrease over the same period.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright fell by $0.05 per pound as of Thursday, February 19, 2026, reflecting a ↓0.91% week-on-week decline. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also eased by $0.05 per pound, down ↓0.93% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing declined ↓0.94%, ending the week on a softer footing.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index declined by $0.05 per pound as of Thursday, February 19, 2026, representing a week-on-week drop of ↓0.87%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also edged down by $0.05 per pound, posting a ↓0.88% decrease from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded a ↓0.90% decline by the close of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories remained flat on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded modest week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The category to record the largest dip was Copper sheet cutting, which was down by ↓5.89%
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, only E.C. Aluminum Wire recorded variation in prices. The prices of the commodity edged lower modestly by ↓0.72% per Lb on the Scrap Monster Price Index at the close of the week. 6063 Extrusions ended the week recording no variation from the prior week. Old Cast prices held steady during the week. Also, UBC prices reported no fluctuation over the previous week's prices.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | -0.72% | |
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 fall of ↓0.72% as of Thursday, February 19, 2026. 6063 Extrusions remained flat, compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices were flat during the week. Additionally, UBC prices held steady on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices mostly held steady over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire ended the week down by $0.01 per Lb during the course of the week, while 6063 Extrusions held steady on Index. Old Cast prices reported no variation week-on-week. Also, UBC prices were flat at the close of the week.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a dip of ↓0.72% as of Thursday, February 19, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were unchanged upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast witnessed no variation. Also, UBC prices recorded no fluctuation week-on-week.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories held steady from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories edged lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum ingots prices witnessed a dip of INR 1,000 per MT during the week.
- The price of Aluminum utensil scrap was down by ↓0.34% during the week ended February 19, 2026.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there were no variation brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices held steady. Red Brass closed flat upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
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 fluctuation as of Thursday, February 19, 2026. Yellow Brass prices also recorded no variation in prices.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended February 19, 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 at the close of the week.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories remained flat on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Brass Cuttings (↓2.96%)
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices held steady over the course of the week, indicating stable market fundamentals. Similarly, Scrap Auto Battery prices remained unchanged, ending the week without any price movement.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Thursday, February 19, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended February 19, 2026, the price of Scrap Auto Batteries maintained previous week’s price level.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, February 19, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted no variation week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Additionally, Auto Battery prices recorded no variation from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories held steady over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices were flat over the past week, with all categories maintaining the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices held steady. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted no variation during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The price of New Zinc Die Cast on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no variation as of Thursday, February 19, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were flat over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended February 19, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded no change from the previous week’s price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed no week-over-week variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, February 19, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were unchanged week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded no fluctuation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price maintained the previous week's price during the week ended February 19, 2026.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a modest jump of ↑0.31% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Global Steel Production Levels – Ferrous scrap demand is directly correlated with crude steel output, particularly from Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) mills. Higher steel production increases scrap consumption, while output curtailments suppress demand.
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Utilization Rates – The structural shift toward EAF-based steelmaking—especially in North America and parts of Europe—continues to underpin long-term scrap demand. Variations in EAF operating rates immediately impact scrap procurement volumes.
Iron Ore and Coking Coal Prices – The relative pricing between scrap and virgin raw materials (iron ore and metallurgical coal) influences mill feedstock decisions. When ore and coal prices rise, scrap becomes comparatively more competitive.
Construction and Infrastructure Activity – Construction remains the largest end-use sector for steel. Slowdowns in housing, commercial real estate, or public infrastructure spending reduce finished steel demand, thereby weakening scrap consumption.
- Export Market Dynamics and Trade Policies– Export demand from major importing nations (e.g., Turkey, South Asia) significantly influences domestic scrap pricing. Tariffs, quotas, freight rates, and geopolitical disruptions alter trade flows and price benchmarks.
- Seasonal and Weather Factors - Winter weather, hurricanes, or flooding can disrupt scrap collection and transportation, tightening supply. Seasonal construction cycles also contribute to predictable demand fluctuations.
Together, these factors create a market environment where ferrous scrap pricing is highly sensitive to steel sector fundamentals, global trade flows, and macroeconomic conditions.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices exhibited minimal movement over the past week, reflecting stable market conditions. #1 HMS held steady at the prior week’s level, while Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 continued to trade unchanged. Likewise, #1 Busheling remained flat throughout the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 HMS remained unchanged as of Thursday, February 19, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap prices were also steady week-on-week. Similarly, HMS 80/20 showed no price movement by the close of the week, while #1 Busheling held firm over the same period.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices remained steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Shredded Auto Scrap closed the week unchanged from its opening level. HMS 80/20 prices were likewise stable, while #1 Busheling recorded no week-on-week fluctuation.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
As of Thursday, February 19, 2026, #1 HMS prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index were unchanged. Shredded Auto Scrap also remained stable, ending the week at the same level as the prior period. HMS 80/20 showed no movement by the close of trading, while #1 Busheling prices likewise held at their previous week’s levels.
International Comparison
China Flat
China Steel Scrap Prices
- All the steel scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap prices remained flat upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices reported no variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices held steady on a week-on-week basis.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no change as of Thursday, February 19, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices witnessed no fluctuation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity held steady during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no movement. The prices were flat during the week ended Thursday, February 19, 2026.
International Comparison
China Flat
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All of the stainless steel scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Steel Mill Production- U.S. Raw Steel Output Up 5.6% YoY in Mid-February 2026
- Steel Import/Export- Steel Imports Down 12.6% in 2025
- Policy action- EU will push for green steel as a pillar of industrial revival
- Economic Impact- U.S. Steel Drives $5.6B Economic Impact in Pennsylvania
- Market Trend- Steel industry faces challenges amid domestic focus shift
- Value Added Production- AM/NS India Targets 75% Revenue from Value-Added Steel
- Scrap Export/Import- Scrap exports from Ukraine amounted to 9.3 thousand tons in January
- Infrastructure Investment- U.S., Nippon Steel to reline Gary Works blast funace this year
- Electricity Costs- EU steel producers call for urgent action on energy prices
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“Recycled steel intakes will no doubt start to improve as the weather permits, especially at current price levels,” George Adams, CEO of SA Recycling – on U.S. scrap supply dynamics.
Market Outlook
- Range-Bound Prices with Seasonal Pressures- Near-term price forecasts suggest a range-bound environment (with modest volatility) driven by cautious mill buying, seasonal slowdowns in steel demand, and logistics cost dynamics. Expect pricing impulse if demand accelerates from infrastructure or stimulus programmes.
- Medium-Term Demand Tailwinds from Infrastructure Activity- Anticipated increases in infrastructure spending and manufacturing investment (e.g., in Asia and developing regions) should support medium-term scrap consumption growth, as steel production remains tied to core economic activity and construction cycles.
- Strengthening Domestic Scrap Availability- In major markets like India, domestic scrap generation is rising, reducing reliance on deep-sea imports. Improved collection and recycling flows provide better feedstock availability for local steelmakers, though imports remain structurally relevant to balance demand gaps.
- Policy Support for Recycling Infrastructure- Government-led policies (e.g., extended producer responsibility, ELV programmes, recycling mandates) are enhancing formal scrap recovery systems and long-term structural demand. These initiatives are expected to support scrap volumes and quality over the medium term, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
- EAF Technology Expansion- Worldwide shift toward Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) production supports higher scrap consumption intensity. As more EAF capacity comes online (especially in Asia and emerging markets), demand for quality ferrous scrap, particularly clean and premium grades, will strengthen.
Asia (India & South Asia) is likely to see firm near-term ferrous scrap demand, supported by infrastructure activity and steady import appetite, with recent domestic price upticks indicating underlying strength.
In North America, improving scrap flows as winter ends may ease supply tightness, potentially pressuring prices if mill buying slows and exports remain subdued.
Europe and Turkey face softer conditions due to weak rebar demand and cautious mill procurement, keeping scrap prices range-bound to slightly weaker.
The Middle East and Africa are expected to maintain stable near-term consumption, with gradual long-term growth but limited immediate price volatility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the overall trend in ferrous scrap?
Steel scrap benchmarks and stainless steel prices remained flat, indicating stable mill demand and balanced market fundamentals.
- Which scrap category saw the biggest price movement?
Copper scrap, particularly #3 Copper–Light Copper, recorded the sharpest decline at 0.93% week-on-week.
- How did aluminum scrap perform?
Aluminum prices were largely unchanged, with only E.C. Aluminum Wire posting a modest 0.72% decline.
- 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.
