Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- February 6-12, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-02-13 15:28:21
Aluminum scrap prices trended predominantly higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week.
By 
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report outlines the week-over-week price movements across key scrap metal categories in North America, drawing on data published by the Scrap Monster Price Index for the week of February 6–12, 2026.
Copper scrap markets delivered a mixed trend during the week under review. The majority of copper scrap grades recorded modest week-over-week declines, with Alternator scrap posting the steepest drop at 4% compared to the prior week. In contrast, Cu/Al Radiators, Cu/Al Radiator Ends, and Cu/Al Radiators/Fe held steady, with prices unchanged from the previous week.
Aluminum scrap prices trended predominantly higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week. E.C. Aluminum Wire led the gains, posting the sharpest increase with a 2.19% rise. In contrast, Aluminum Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, Aluminum Radiators/Fe, Aluminum Transformers, and Breakage 50% Recovery remained flat, with no week-over-week price movement.
Brass and bronze scrap prices recorded marginal declines, extending the downward trend observed in the prior week. Meanwhile, lead scrap markets held firm, with no price fluctuations reported across major trading regions.
Zinc scrap prices advanced during the week under review. In contrast, global steel scrap benchmarks showed no movement, indicating steady market conditions.
Meanwhile, stainless steel scrap prices moved higher, reflecting a modest recovery in overall market sentiment.
Scrap metal markets delivered a mixed performance during the week, with selective price declines offset by gains in other segments. Overall sentiment remained cautiously stable, as several benchmarks held steady despite modest fluctuations across the broader market.
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
- Secondary Smelter Capacity Utilization: The operating rate of secondary smelters and refiners directly determines near-term scrap demand. When plants run at high utilization due to strong order books, procurement teams actively compete for feedstock, tightening supply and strengthening scrap premiums. Conversely, production curtailments quickly soften buying interest and pressure prices.
- Fabrication Margins & Product Spreads: – The profitability of converting scrap into semi-finished products (such as wire rod, billets, ingots, or rolled products) is a key purchasing determinant. Strong downstream margins incentivize aggressive scrap buying, while compressed spreads lead to cautious procurement strategies.
Recycling Technology & Recovery Efficiency: – Advancements in sensor-based sorting, eddy current separation, and automated dismantling improve recovery rates and purity levels. Higher recovery efficiency enhances the economic viability of lower-grade scrap and expands usable supply pools.
Freight, Logistics & Port Congestion: – Transportation costs significantly influence regional arbitrage. Elevated freight rates, container shortages, or port congestion can restrict export flows, distort regional pricing differentials, and create localized supply tightness.
- Infrastructure & Capital Investment Cycles: – Large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy, and grid modernization projects increase demand for copper, aluminum, and other base metals. This lifts production activity across the value chain, indirectly strengthening scrap consumption.
- Regulatory Oversight & Formalization of Collection Networks:– In many regions, scrap collection operates across both formal and informal sectors. Regulatory enforcement, licensing requirements, or environmental compliance measures can disrupt supply channels or improve transparency, directly impacting material availability and pricing stability.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices moved lower over the past week, pressured by subdued trading volumes and limited purchasing appetite. #1 Copper Bare Bright slipped 1.73%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing eased 1.76%. Similarly, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing posted a 1.79% decline during the period.
Charts
The table below presents the week-over-week price changes for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.10 | -1.73% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.10 | -1.76% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.10 | -1.79% |
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 declined by $0.12 per pound as of Thursday, February 12, 2026, reflecting a week-over-week decrease of ↓1.73%. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing also retreated by $0.10 per pound, down ↓1.76% compared with the prior week. Similarly, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded a ↓1.79% drop during the same period.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright slipped by $0.10 per pound as of Thursday, February 12, 2026, registering a week-on-week decline of ↓1.79%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also decreased by $0.10 per pound, down ↓1.82% from the prior week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing dropped ↓1.86%, closing the week on a weaker note.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index dropped by $0.10 per pound as of Thursday, February 12, 2026, a weekly fall of ↓1.72%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched lower by $0.10 per pound, registering a decline by ↓1.75% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices had recorded a dip of ↓1.78% as at the end of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories registered increases across the board on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainers: #2 Copper Wire and Tubing (↑2.39%) and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing (↑2.37%).
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded modest week-over-week gain on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The category to record the largest increase was Copper sheet cutting, which was up by ↑2.52%
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: During the prior week, E.C. Aluminum Wire prices advanced by ↑2.19%, with the Scrap Monster Price Index showing a modest gain of $0.03 per pound by week’s end. 6063 Extrusions closed the week up ↑0.98% compared to the previous week. Old Cast prices climbed ↑1.12% over the same period, while UBC values increased by ↑1.11% week on week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.03 | +2.19% | |
0.01 | +0.98% | |
0.01 | +1.12% | |
0.01 | +1.11% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index , E.C. Aluminum Wire prices surged ↑2.19% as of Thursday, February 12, 2026. 6063 Extrusions posted a ↑0.98% increase compared to the prior week. Old Cast prices advanced ↑1.12% over the same period, while UBC values rose ↑1.11% on a week-over-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices mostly registered increase over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire ended the week up by $0.03 per Lb during the course of the week, while 6063 Extrusions were up by ↑1.00% on the Index. Old Cast prices reported an upward movement of ↑1.16% week-on-week. Also, UBC prices edged higher by ↑1.14% at the close of the week.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a jump of ↑2.19% as of Thursday, February 12, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were up by ↑0.98% upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast witnessed a rise of ↑1.11%. Also, UBC prices increased by ↑1.10% week-on-week.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded jump from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet prices recorded the biggest increases, edging higher by ↑1.44% each on the Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories edged higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum ingots prices witnessed a jump of INR 4,000 per MT during the week.
- The price of Aluminum utensil scrap was up by ↑1.33% during the week ended February 12, 2026.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a decline in brass/bronze scrap price. Yellow Brass’s prices were down marginally by ↓0.90%. Red Brass prices edged lower by ↓0.86% upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.03 | -0.86% | |
0.03 | -0.90% |
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 a decline of ↓0.86% as of Thursday, February 12, 2026. Yellow Brass prices also witnessed a fall of ↓0.90% in prices over the previous week's prices.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended February 12, 2026, the price of Red Brass had recorded a downward movement of ↓0.88% . Additionally, Yellow Brass prices were down by ↓0.93%.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices declined by ↓0.83% compared with the previous week. Similarly, Yellow Brass recorded a ↓0.88% drop by the close of the week.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainer: Yellow Brass ↑0.64%
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 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 ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Thursday, February 12, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended February 12, 2026, the price of Scrap Auto Batteries maintained previous week’s price level.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, February 12, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted marginal week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The prices of these categories were up by ↑0.36% and ↑0.37% respectively over the prior week.
- Auto Battery prices recorded no variation from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories recorded week-over-week increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainer: Lead ingot ↑0.53%
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices recorded increase over the past week, with all categories witnessing jump from the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.20% week-over-week. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted an upward movement of ↑1.43% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +1.20% | |
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 incresae of ↑1.20% as of Thursday, February 12, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.43% over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended February 12, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded jumps on the Index by ↑1.20% and ↑1.43% respectively from the previous week’s price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed week-over-week jump of ↑1.20% on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, February 12, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices went higher by ↑1.43% week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a decline of ↓0.30% on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price edged lower by CNY 50 per MT during the week ended February 12, 2026.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a modest jump of ↑1.86% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Steel Production Levels & EAF Operating Rates – Ferrous scrap demand is directly tied to crude steel output, particularly from Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) mills. With EAF-based production accounting for a growing share of global steelmaking, mill utilization rates remain the single most important demand determinant. Production cuts, maintenance outages, or weak order books immediately reduce scrap intake.
Finished Steel Demand & Construction Activity – End-use demand from construction, infrastructure, automotive, and machinery sectors strongly influences mill buying behavior. Sluggish real estate activity or weaker infrastructure spending dampens finished steel orders, leading mills to lower scrap procurement volumes and bids.
Export Demand & Turkish Import Market – The deep-sea scrap trade is heavily influenced by import demand from Turkey, the world’s largest scrap importer. Turkish booking activity often sets price direction for US and European export markets. Soft buying interest or currency pressures in Turkey typically weigh on global benchmark prices.
Scrap Generation & Collection Flows – Supply is influenced by demolition activity, industrial offcuts, auto recycling volumes, and seasonal factors. Winter weather in North America and Europe often disrupts collection and logistics, tightening supply temporarily. Conversely, weak industrial output reduces prompt scrap generation.
- Policy, Trade Barriers & Environmental Regulations– Export restrictions, carbon border mechanisms, and environmental regulations increasingly impact ferrous scrap flows. Decarbonization policies favor scrap-intensive steelmaking, but export controls or compliance costs can restrict cross-border trade and alter supply-demand balances.
- Steel Mill Margins & Finished Steel Prices - Mill profitability strongly influences scrap buying behavior. When steel prices are firm and margins are healthy, mills are more willing to pay higher scrap prices. Conversely, margin compression leads to cautious procurement and downward pressure on scrap values.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices showed little movement over the past week, indicating a steady market environment. #1 HMS remained unchanged from the previous week's prices, while Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 continued to trade at the previous week's price. Also, #1 Busheling stayed flat over the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index , #1 HMS showed no change as of Thursday, February 12, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap prices also remained steady compared with the previous week. Likewise, HMS 80/20 recorded no movement by the end of the week, while #1 Busheling prices held flat over the same period.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Shredded Auto Scrap ended the week by recording no variation from the beginning of the week. The HMS 80/20 prices were stable. Also, the price of #1 Busheling recorded no weekly fluctuation.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
As of Thursday, February 12, 2026, #1 HMS prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index remained flat. Shredded Auto Scrap values were also stable, finishing the week unchanged from the previous period. HMS 80/20 posted no variation by the close of the week, and #1 Busheling prices likewise held at prior-week levels.
International Comparison
China Flat
China Steel Scrap Prices
- All the steel scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap prices remained flat upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices edged higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices recorded a jump of ↑1.54% on a week-on-week basis.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +1.54% |
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 an increase of ↑1.54% as of Thursday, February 12, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered a modest rise on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity inched up by ↑1.54% during the week.
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 during the week ended Thursday, February 12, 2026.
International Comparison
China ↑4.72%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All of the stainless steel scrap categories recorded increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainers: 310 SS ↑5.49%, 304 SS Turning ↑5.07%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Steel Mill Production- U.S. Steel Mill Output Rises in Early February / Vietnam's 2025 crude steel output hit 5-year high
- Mergers & Acquisitions- Sims to Acquire U.S. Scrap Metal Dealer for $94m
- Market Outlook- IREPAS Warns of Weak Demand in Global Long Steel Market
- Scrap Export/Import- Scrap exports from Ukraine amounted to 9.3 thousand tons in January
- Infrastructure Investment- ArcelorMittal Confirms Durkirk EAF Investment
- Electricity Costs- Electricity fees 'too high' in UK steel production
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“Over the past week, ferrous scrap prices have largely remained stable as mills continue a cautious purchasing approach amid balanced supply and demand; while tight availability underpins price floors, muted downstream orders keep upside limited.” — Ramesh Iyer, Senior Metals Analyst at Global Scrap Insights.
Market Outlook
- Steel Production Likely to Remain Cautious- Global crude steel output is expected to stay measured in the near term as mills balance order books against margin pressures. EAF operating rates will likely fluctuate in response to finished steel demand, keeping scrap procurement disciplined rather than aggressive.
- Limited Upside Without Stronger Finished Steel Demand- Absent a meaningful rebound in construction and manufacturing activity, scrap price upside may remain capped. Mills are expected to align scrap purchases closely with real demand rather than speculative restocking.
- Turkish Import Activity to Remain a Key Price Signal- Turkey will continue to act as the primary price-setter in the deep-sea scrap market. Any sustained increase in Turkish bookings could stabilize global benchmarks, while weak buying interest may exert downward pressure.
- Seasonal Supply Tightness Possible- Adverse weather conditions and reduced demolition activity may temporarily tighten scrap flows in certain regions, potentially supporting short-term price stability.
- Energy Cost Volatility a Risk Factor- Electricity and natural gas prices remain a variable risk. Elevated power costs could limit EAF production growth, indirectly restraining scrap demand.
In short, the ferrous scrap market is expected to remain cautious in the near term, with disciplined mill procurement amid measured steel production and margin pressures. Price upside appears limited without a stronger rebound in construction and manufacturing demand, while Turkish import activity will continue to set the tone for global benchmarks. Seasonal supply constraints may offer temporary support, though energy cost volatility remains a key risk to EAF output and scrap demand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the overall trend in North American scrap markets during the week from February 6-12, 2025?
Performance was mixed. Copper and brass/bronze declined modestly, aluminum and stainless steel moved higher, zinc advanced, and steel scrap remained flat.
- What was the status of steel scrap prices?
#1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling all remained unchanged, indicating stable mill buying interest.
- Which copper grade saw the sharpest drop?
Alternator scrap recorded the steepest decline at 4% week over week.
- 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.
