Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- January 16-22, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-01-23 14:15:30
In short, global scrap metal markets remained largely stable during the week, with copper prices posting mild declines while aluminum, brass, bronze, lead, zinc, and steel scrap values stayed mostly flat.
By 
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): The following report summarizes the week-over-week pricing trends for major scrap metal categories across North America, based on data compiled by the Scrap Monster Price Index for the period spanning January 16–22, 2026.
Copper scrap markets posted a modest overall decline during the week, although selective segments recorded limited gains. Among the categories, #3 Copper – Light Copper saw the steepest drop, slipping 0.37% compared with the previous week. Prices for #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also softened, each declining by 0.36%. Despite these movements, most copper scrap grades maintained stable pricing throughout the week.
Aluminum scrap values remained largely unchanged on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Nearly all categories held steady relative to the prior week, with the lone exception of E.C. Aluminum Wire, which registered a marginal decrease of 1.41%.
Brass and bronze scrap prices showed no variation, continuing their flat trend on the Index. Similarly, lead scrap markets remained stable, with no reported price fluctuations across major trading hubs.
Zinc scrap prices were unchanged over the period, while international steel scrap benchmarks also exhibited flat performance, indicating subdued market activity.
In contrast, stainless steel scrap prices demonstrated upward momentum, reflecting modest positive sentiment in that segment.
In short, global scrap metal markets remained largely stable during the week, with copper prices posting mild declines while aluminum, brass, bronze, lead, zinc, and steel scrap values stayed mostly flat. In contrast, stainless steel scrap recorded modest gains, indicating slightly improved 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
- Muted Price Volatility and Broad Stability – Non-ferrous scrap prices, particularly for copper, aluminum, brass, and zinc, are largely stable, reflecting balanced supply-demand conditions and cautious purchasing behavior by consumers amid uncertain macroeconomic signals.
Copper Scrap Facing Mild Downward Pressure – Copper scrap prices have softened marginally due to inventory normalization, reduced speculative buying, and easing refined copper premiums, even as long-term demand remains structurally strong.
Aluminum Scrap Supported by Structural Demand – Aluminum scrap continues to benefit from rising consumption in automotive lightweighting, renewable energy, and packaging sectors. However, short-term pricing remains capped due to adequate scrap availability and steady smelter operating rates.
- Tightening Trade Policies Influencing Flows – Export restrictions, tariff risks, and regulatory tightening—especially in Europe, India, and parts of Asia—are reshaping global scrap flows, leading to localized supply tightness and price disparities across regions.
- Rising Emphasis on Circular Economy– Sustainability mandates and decarbonization goals are accelerating demand for recycled non-ferrous metals, with manufacturers increasingly prioritizing high-purity scrap inputs over primary metal production.
- Stainless Steel Scrap Showing Relative Strength – Unlike other non-ferrous categories, stainless steel scrap prices are trending upward, driven by alloy demand, nickel price firmness, and stable consumption from specialty steel producers.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap values moved lower over the past week, reflecting softer trading conditions and subdued buyer interest. Prices for #1 Copper Bare Bright slipped by 0.35%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing retreated 0.36%. Similarly, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded a 0.36% decline.
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 | 0.02 | -0.35% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.02 | -0.36% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.02 | -0.36% |
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 dropped by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, January 22, 2026, marking a week-on-week fall of ↓0.35%. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing also saw a decline by $0.02 per pound, down 0.36% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing dipped ↓0.36% over the week.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index inched down by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, January 22, 2026, a weekly decline of ↓0.36%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing edged lower by $0.02 per pound, registering a decline by ↓0.37% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had slipped by ↓0.38% to close the week.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index dropped by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, January 22, 2026, a weekly fall of ↓0.35%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched lower by $0.02 per pound, registering a decline by ↓0.35% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices had recorded a dip of ↓0.36% as at the end of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- Most of the copper scrap categories recorded downmove on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: Cu Yokes and Harness Wire 35% Recovery ( ↓0.26% each).
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Category to record the largest decline was Copper sheet cutting, which was down by ↓4.44%.
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, only E.C. Aluminum Wire recorded variation in prices. The prices of the commodity edged lower modestly by 1.41% per Lb on the Scrap Monster Price Index at the close of the week. 6063 Extrusions ended the week recording no variation from the prior week. Old Cast prices held steady during the week. Also, UBC prices reported no fluctuation over the previous week's prices.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | -1.41% | |
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 1.41% as of Thursday, January 22, 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 $0.02 per Lb during the course of the week, while 6063 Extrusions held steady on Index. Old Cast prices reported no variation week-on-week. Also, UBC prices were flat at the close of the week.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a dip of 1.41% as of Thursday, January 22, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were unchanged upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast witnessed no variation. Also, UBC prices recorded no fluctuation week-on-week.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded increase from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet prices recorded the biggest jumps, rising by ↑0.70% each on the Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories edged lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum ingots prices witnessed a decline of INR 3,000 per MT to close at INR 314,000 per Ton.
- The price of Aluminum utensil scrap was down by ↓0.97% during the week ended January 22, 2026.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there were no variation brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices held steady. Red Brass closed flat upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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, January 22, 2025. Yellow Brass prices also recorded no variation in prices.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended January 22, 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 recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Yellow Brass ↓0.13%
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week decline 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 with no movement.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Thursday, January 22, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended January 22, 2026, the price of Scrap Auto Batteries maintained previous week’s price level.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, January 22, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted marginal week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The prices of these categories were down by 1.06% and 1.08% respectively over the prior week.
- Auto Battery prices recorded a steeper decline, falling by 1.47% to end the week at CNY 6,700 per MT.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories recorded week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Lead ingot ↓1.04%
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices were flat over the past week, with all categories maintaining the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices held steady. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted no variation during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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, January 22, 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 January 22, 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, January 22, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were unchanged week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a decline of ↓0.89% on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price closed at CNY 16,700 per MT during the week ended January 22, 2026, registering a fall of CNY 150 per MT.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a modest decline of ↓1.90% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Steel Mill Production Rates – Steelmakers’ operating levels remain the primary determinant of ferrous scrap demand. Fluctuating mill output, driven by order books and finished steel pricing, directly influences scrap consumption and procurement strategies.
Finished Steel Price Movements – Weakness or volatility in finished steel prices constrains mill margins, prompting cautious raw material procurement. Stable or rising steel prices, in contrast, typically support stronger scrap demand.
Seasonal Scrap Generation – Weather conditions and seasonal industrial activity affect scrap supply. Winter slowdowns and adverse weather can restrict scrap collection, while warmer months typically improve material availability and logistics efficiency.
Inventory Levels at Mills and Yards – Elevated stockpiles at steel mills and scrap yards reduce immediate buying urgency, placing downward pressure on prices. Conversely, lean inventories often trigger restocking cycles that support short-term price recoveries.
- Competition from Alternative Metallics– Increased availability of substitutes such as direct reduced iron (DRI), hot briquetted iron (HBI), and pig iron can limit scrap demand, especially when these alternatives are competitively priced and logistically accessible.
- Geopolitical Developments and Supply Chain Disruptions - Regional conflicts, trade sanctions, and logistical bottlenecks can disrupt shipping routes and material flows, leading to sudden shifts in availability, pricing, and procurement strategies across global scrap markets.
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 at $355 per metric ton, while Shredded Auto Scrap held firm at $400 per metric ton. HMS 80/20 continued to trade at $280 per metric ton, and #1 Busheling stayed flat at $405 per metric ton.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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
The price of #1 HMS on the Scrap Monster Price Index reported no change as of Thursday, January 22, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap prices were unchanged 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 $400 per MT, recording no variation from the beginning of the week. The HMS 80/20 prices were stable. Also, the price of # Busheling recorded no weekly fluctuation.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS’s price on the Scrap Monster Price Index was flat as of Thursday, January 22, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap witnessed no movement, closing the at $400 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 $1,730 per MT respectively.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices increased on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices recorded jump on a week-on-week basis.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | ↑3.08% |
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 ↑3.08% as of Thursday, January 22, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered a modest jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity was up by $0.02 per Lb to end 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 $0.02 per Lb during the week ended Thursday, January 22, 2026.
International Comparison
China ↓0.82%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- Almost all the stainless steel scrap categories, except 201 SS, recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: 310 SS ↓1.89%, 316 SS Solid ↓1.56%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Mills & buy programs- U.S. Raw Steel Production Up 3.3% Year-on-Year in Mid-January / Japan's Steel Output Hit a 1969 Low, And the US Passed It / China crude steel output hits seven-year low in 2025, despite record exports
- Production boost- Tenaris Repoens Koppel Lines, Strengthens US Steel Pipe Production
- Policy actions- SC mulls requiring American-made steel for roads, bridges and other public projects
- Scrap Market Trends- Govt plans new steel scrap recycling guideline / The Italian government will stimulate the production of stainless steel based on scrap metal
- Mergers/ Acquisitions- Worthington Steel to Acquire Kloeckner & Co
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Steel: Flat
- Stainless Steel: U.S.-↑3.08% ; China- ↓0.82%
Expert Quote:
“Ferrous scrap prices remained largely stable over the past week, as cautious mill buying, comfortable inventory positions, and subdued finished steel demand kept the market range-bound. Export inquiries provided limited support, but not enough to trigger any meaningful price movement,” said Ramesh Iyer, Senior Metals Analyst at Global Scrap Insights.
Market Outlook
- Near-Term Prices Likely to Remain Range-Bound- Ferrous scrap prices are expected to stay largely stable in the short term, as steel mills maintain cautious procurement strategies amid uneven finished steel demand and comfortable inventory positions.
- Export Demand to Provide Selective Support- Overseas buying interest—particularly from Turkey, South Asia, and Southeast Asia—should offer intermittent price support, although high freight costs and currency volatility may limit strong upward momentum.
- Steel Production Levels Will Dictate Direction- Scrap demand will continue to closely track steel mill operating rates. Any sustained improvement in construction activity or manufacturing output could strengthen scrap buying, while production curtailments may pressure prices.
- Seasonal Supply Tightness Could Lift Prices- Adverse weather, logistical disruptions, and slower demolition activity in winter months could constrain scrap generation, tightening supply and potentially triggering modest price increases.
- Medium-Term Outlook Remains Constructive- Structural drivers including decarbonization initiatives, expansion of electric arc furnace capacity, and sustainability mandates are expected to underpin steady growth in ferrous scrap consumption over the medium to long term.
In short, ferrous scrap prices are expected to remain largely range-bound in the near term, supported by balanced supply-demand conditions and cautious mill buying, with limited upside from exports and seasonal supply tightness. However, weak finished steel demand and competition from alternative metallics could cap gains, keeping market sentiment subdued overall.
Daily Reports | Scrap Monster Price Index | US Scrap Metal Prices
Register now for free daily alerts → Sign Up
Related Resources
Copper Scrap Prices | Aluminum Scrap Prices | Steel Scrap Prices | Brass Scrap Prices | Scrap Yard Directory | Company Directory | Daily Market Report
Full pricing details, yard finder, market analysis, and live price charts available at ScrapMonster.com. Trusted by 100,000+ recycling professionals. Sign up for daily alerts—your competitive edge starts here.
Subscribe to Scrap Monster Live Scrap Prices
POLL
Which scrap metal segment do you expect to see the biggest price change next week?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did copper scrap prices perform this week?
Copper scrap posted mild declines, reflecting soft trading sentiment, with select grades easing slightly week-on-week.
- How did steel scrap prices move?
Steel scrap remained mostly flat, indicating a stable market with no significant upward or downward pressure.
- What does this indicate about overall market trends?
The overall stability suggests balanced supply-demand dynamics, with no major disruptions or price swings observed during the 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.
