Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- January 30- February 5, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-02-06 10:22:14
Copper scrap markets showed a mixed performance over the week. While a few select grades posted modest increases, a comparable number of categories remained unchanged on the Index.
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 30– February 5, 2026.
Copper scrap markets showed a mixed performance over the week. While a few select grades posted modest increases, a comparable number of categories remained unchanged on the Index. Copper Transformer Scrap was the only segment to register a notable price increase. In contrast, #3 Copper – Light Copper recorded the sharpest weekly decline, falling 2.17% from the prior week.
Aluminum scrap prices were largely lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Mixed Aluminum Turnings experienced the steepest drop, retreating by 5.26%. Meanwhile, prices for Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, Aluminum Radiators/Fe, and Aluminum Transformers were unchanged during the period.
Brass and bronze scrap values edged slightly lower compared with the flat movement seen in the previous week. Likewise, lead scrap markets remained steady, with no price variations reported across key trading regions.
Zinc scrap prices moved lower over the week. Conversely, global steel scrap benchmarks remained flat, pointing to stable market conditions.
At the same time, stainless steel scrap prices trended downward, signaling mild bearish sentiment within the segment.
In short, scrap metal markets showed mixed to weaker trends during the week. Copper prices were largely stable with limited gains, while aluminum, zinc, brass/bronze, and stainless steel scrap mostly declined; lead and global steel scrap remained flat.
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
- Key Non-Ferrous Scrap Market Driver – Primary Metal Prices: Movements in benchmark primary metal prices (such as those on the LME) are the most influential driver of non-ferrous scrap markets. Changes in refined metal prices directly impact scrap valuations, spreads, and purchasing behavior, as recyclers and consumers adjust buying strategies based on relative cost advantages between primary and secondary materials.
- Copper Scrap – Electrical & Infrastructure Demand: – Consumption of copper scrap is primarily driven by power grid expansion, renewable energy projects, and electronics manufacturing, which sustain demand for high-conductivity scrap grades.
Aluminum Scrap – Energy Cost Advantage Over Primary Metal: – Elevated electricity prices make secondary aluminum production more cost-effective than primary smelting, supporting steady demand for aluminum scrap.
Brass/Bronze Scrap – Construction and Plumbing Activity: – Demand is closely linked to construction output, as brass and bronze scrap are widely used in fittings, valves, and architectural applications.
- Lead Scrap – Battery Replacement Cycles: – Lead scrap demand is largely determined by automotive and industrial battery replacement rates, ensuring consistent recycling flows.
- Zinc Scrap – Galvanizing Industry Output:– Activity in the steel galvanizing sector directly influences zinc scrap generation and consumption, shaping overall market demand.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices declined during the past week amid weaker market activity and muted buying interest. #1 Copper Bare Bright fell by 2.06%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing dropped 2.09%. In the same vein, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing registered a 2.13% decrease.
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 | 0.12 | -2.06% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.12 | -2.09% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.12 | -2.13% |
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 $0.12 per pound as of Thursday, February 5, 2026, marking a week-on-week fall of ↓2.06%. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing also saw a decline by $0.12 per pound, down ↓2.09% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing dipped ↓2.13% over the week.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright eased by $0.12 per pound as of Thursday, February 5, 2026, marking a weekly drop of ↓2.13%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also declined by $0.12 per pound, down ↓2.17% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing fell ↓2.21% to finish the week lower.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index dropped by $0.12 per pound as of Thursday, February 5, 2026, a weekly fall of ↓2.04%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched lower by $0.12 per pound, registering a decline by ↓2.08% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices had recorded a dip of ↓2.11% as at the end of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories registered declines across the board on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: #2 Copper Wire and Tubing ( ↓2.52%) and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing ( ↓2.49%).
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded notable week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Category to record the largest decline was Copper sheet cutting, which was down by ↓12.67%.
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, E.C. Aluminum Wire recorded a dip of ↓3.55% in prices. The prices of the commodity edged lower modestly by $0.05 per Lb on the Scrap Monster Price Index at the close of the week. 6063 Extrusions ended the week recording a decline of ↓3.77% from the prior week. Old Cast prices were down by ↓3.26% during the week. Also, UBC prices fell by ↓3.23% over the previous week's prices.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.05 | -3.55% | |
0.04 | -3.77% | |
0.03 | -3.26% | |
0.03 | -3.23% |
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 ↓3.55% as of Thursday, February 5, 2026. 6063 Extrusions prices witnessed a decline of ↓3.77%, compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices were down by ↓3.26% during the week. Additionally, UBC prices saw a dip of ↓3.23% on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices mostly registered decline over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire ended the week down by $0.05 per Lb during the course of the week, while 6063 Extrusions were down by ↓3.85% on the Index. Old Cast prices reported a downward movement of ↓3.37% week-on-week. Also, UBC prices edged lower by ↓3.30% at the close of the week.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a dip of ↓3.55% as of Thursday, February 5, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were down by ↓3.77% upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast witnessed a decline of ↓3.23%. Also, UBC prices dropped by ↓3.19% week-on-week.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded decline from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet prices recorded the biggest declines, falling by ↓5.86% each on the Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories edged lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum ingots prices witnessed a decline of INR 20,000 per MT during the week.
- The price of Aluminum utensil scrap was down by ↓6.29% during the week ended February 5, 2026.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there were a decline in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices were down marginally by ↓0.60%. Red Brass prices edged lower by ↓0.57% upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | -0.57% | |
0.02 | -0.60% |
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 ↓0.57% as of Thursday, February 5, 2025. Yellow Brass prices also witnessed a fall of ↓0.60% in prices over the previous week's prices.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended February 5, 2026, the price of Red Brass had recorded a downward movement of ↓0.58% . Additionally, Yellow Brass prices were down by ↓0.62%.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass witnessed a dip in prices of ↓0.55%from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Yellow Brass had reported a decline of ↓0.58%.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Yellow Brass ↓0.76%
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 ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Thursday, February 5, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended February 5, 2026, the price of Scrap Auto Batteries maintained previous week’s price level.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, February 5, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted marginal week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The prices of these categories were down by ↓1.08% and ↓1.09% respectively over the prior week.
- Auto Battery prices recorded a smaller decline, falling by ↓0.75% from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories recorded week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Lead ingot ↓5.03%
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices recorded declines over the past week, with all categories witnessing fall from the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices were down by ↓1.19% week-over-week. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted a decline of ↓1.41% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | -1.19% | |
0.01 | -1.41% |
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 a decline of ↓1.19% as of Thursday, February 5, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were down by ↓1.41% over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended February 5, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded declines on the Index by ↓1.19% and ↓1.41% 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 decline of ↓1.19% on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, February 5, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were down by ↓1.41% week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a decline of ↓2.61% on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price edged lower by CNY 450 per MT during the week ended February 5, 2026.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a modest decline of ↓5.62% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Steel Production and EAF Adoption – Growth in global steel output—especially the increasing use of electric arc furnaces (EAFs), which rely heavily on scrap as feedstock—will continue to propel demand for ferrous scrap. EAF expansion improves scrap uptake and supports market growth.
Construction & Infrastructure Activity – Urbanization and infrastructure development in emerging and developed economies generate both demand for steel products and significant volumes of scrap from demolition and renovation, strengthening market supply–demand dynamics.
Domestic Scrap Availability & Substitute Inputs – Local scrap collection rates and the availability of alternative metallics like direct-reduced iron (DRI) influence scrap demand. In markets like India, abundant DRI supply can reduce reliance on imported or even domestic scrap.
Technological Advances in Recycling Processes – Improvements in sorting, shredding, and processing boost the quality and yield of ferrous scrap, making recycled material more desirable for steelmakers and enhancing overall market efficiency.
- Global Trade Policies & Import/Export Dynamics– Tariffs, quotas, and trade regulations affecting scrap flows can shift regional demand and pricing; e.g., import duties or export curbs can make certain markets more competitive or restrictive.
- Economic Cycles & Downstream Demand - Broader economic conditions—industrial growth, manufacturing activity, and steel consumption trends—will continue to shape scrap demand and price volatility, with slower demand periods weighing on prices and faster cycles driving up consumption.
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 ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
The price of #1 HMS on the Scrap Monster Price Index reported no change as of Thursday, February 5, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap prices were unchanged on the Index upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of HMS 80/20 had recorded no change. #1 Busheling prices also were flat over the previous week.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Shredded Auto Scrap ended the week by recording no variation from the beginning of the week. The HMS 80/20 prices were stable. Also, the price of #1 Busheling recorded no weekly fluctuation.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS’s price on the Scrap Monster Price Index was flat as of Thursday, February 5, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap prices remained unchanged, ending the week at the same level as the previous week. By the end of the week, the price of HMS 80/20 had recorded no fluctuation. #1 Busheling prices also held steady over the previous week.
International Comparison
China Flat
China Steel Scrap Prices
- All the steel scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap prices remained flat upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices declined on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices recorded a dip of ↓4.41% on a week-on-week basis.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.03 | -4.41% |
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 4.41% as of Thursday, February 5, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered a modest decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity edged lower by 4.41% during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a downward movement, dropping by $0.02 per Lb during the week ended Thursday, February 5, 2026.
International Comparison
China ↓2.48%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All of the stainless steel scrap categories recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: 310 SS ↓3.30%, 201 SS ↓3.10%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Steel Mill Production- U.S. Steel Mills Post Slight Weekly Drop, Solid YoY Expansion
- Mill Shipments/Logistics- AISI: U.S. Steel Shipments Rise 4.9% Year-on-Year in 2025
- Steel Imports- U.S. Steel Imports End 2025 Lower Despite December Uptick: AISI
- Scrap Export/Import- Scrap Exports from Ukraine reached a four-year high in 2025
- Policy actions- Illinois Department of Labor launches WARN Act probe into Alton Steel closure / County warns of limited pollution from U.S. Steel Clairton breakdown
- Emissions- Emissions in China's steel industry rose by 4.4% y/y in December
- Scrap Market Trends- Abolition of zero quota on scrap exports will bring back old schemes- expert
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“Ferrous scrap markets remained largely range-bound over the past week, as tight supply conditions provided underlying price support, while cautious mill procurement and muted finished steel demand limited upside potential. Most buyers continued to operate on a hand-to-mouth basis, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in downstream markets,” — Rohit Malhotra, Senior Ferrous Scrap Market Analyst at Global Metals Insights.
Market Outlook
- Macroeconomic headwinds could blunt medium-term upside- Broader macroeconomic pressures (softening manufacturing activity and slower consumer spending growth) may restrain steel production in certain economies, which would in turn cushion scrap price growth over the medium term, especially if economic momentum weakens further.
- Supply imbalances and trade disruptions- Regional scrap supply varies widely—export controls, licensing regimes, and imbalances (declining consumption in mature markets vs. higher demand in South Asia) will continue shaping global trade flows. These imbalances can drive price divergence between regions.
- Steel demand trajectory moderates but remains positive in key regions- In major consuming markets like India, domestic steel demand is expected to grow moderately (e.g., ~8% in FY 26), which supports scrap consumption even as margins remain under pressure. However, subdued or slowing demand in regions such as China or Europe could temper price gains.
- Restocking phase and short-term price volatility- Tight inventories and incremental restocking by mills and traders during early 2026 are supporting firmer price levels in the near term. This restocking demand can sustain near-term price strength, though volatility will persist on supply and steel demand news.
- Demand support from Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) expansion- Global steelmakers are accelerating investment in EAF capacity—especially in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East—because these furnaces use ferrous scrap as the primary feedstock. This structural shift will lift scrap demand relative to traditional blast furnace feedstocks, providing a bullish underpinning in the medium 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.
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POLL
How would you describe overall scrap metal market sentiment for the week ended February 5, 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did North American scrap metal prices perform during Jan 30–Feb 5, 2026?
Prices showed mixed to weaker trends. Copper was largely stable with limited gains, while aluminum, zinc, brass/bronze, and stainless steel mostly declined. Lead and ferrous (steel) scrap prices remained flat.
- Which copper scrap category saw the biggest move?
Copper Transformer Scrap posted the only notable increase, while #3 Copper – Light Copper recorded the sharpest weekly decline (↓2.17%).
- What are the key drivers influencing current scrap markets?
Movements in primary metal prices, EAF adoption, construction and infrastructure activity, battery replacement cycles, galvanizing output, and trade policies are the main drivers shaping near-term price action.
- How did international markets compare with the U.S.?
China and India recorded sharper declines in several non-ferrous categories—especially copper and aluminum—highlighting a softer global backdrop versus U.S. stability.
- 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.
