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Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-07-17 07:09:54
Brass and bronze scrap prices registered modest gains on the Index, extending the positive pricing momentum observed in the previous week. In the meantime, lead scrap markets remained stable, with no price variations reported across key regional markets.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report analyzes the latest trends in the North American scrap metal market by examining price movements across major scrap categories during the week of July 10–16, 2026. Based on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index, it highlights week-over-week price changes and offers insights into key market trends, pricing dynamics, and overall market sentiment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Copper scrap markets reported a modest jump in prices over the previous week. Heater Cores recorded the largest increase, climbing ↑0.76% from the previous week. Cu Yokes and Harness Wire (35% Recovery) followed closely, with both posting gains of ↑0.72% week over week.
Aluminum scrap prices posted a modest week-on-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with most tracked grades moving higher. However, a few grades held steady during the period.
Brass and bronze scrap prices posted modest week-on-week gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index, extending the positive momentum recorded in the previous reporting period. Meanwhile, lead scrap prices remained stable, with all major grades unchanged across key North American regional markets.
Zinc scrap prices recorded no variation across key regions. New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast both held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index, reflecting a softer weekly tone in North American zinc scrap.
Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices recorded a slight decline, reflecting weakness in global markets.
Stainless steel scrap prices recorded a slight increase on the Index during the period under review.
For full market breakdowns, visit the Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub or track real-time prices via the US Scrap Price Index.
Market Drivers
Mixed price performance across non-ferrous grades
Price movements were uneven during the week, with select copper-bearing and specialty scrap grades posting modest gains while several aluminum and lower-value grades traded largely flat, reflecting a market without a clear directional trend.
Copper-bearing scrap remained relatively resilient
High-copper-content scrap grades generally outperformed the broader non-ferrous market, supported by firm refined copper prices and steady demand from smelters and secondary manufacturers.
Auto recycling sector continued to support supply
A steady flow of end-of-life vehicles helped maintain adequate availability of copper, aluminum, and mixed non-ferrous scrap, preventing any significant supply shortages despite healthy buying activity.
Regional price variations persisted
Price trends continued to differ across North American markets due to local supply-demand balances, transportation costs, and varying levels of industrial activity, resulting in localized premiums and discounts.
Market participants closely tracked LME price movements
Buyers and sellers adjusted offers in response to fluctuations in London Metal Exchange (LME) base metal prices, particularly copper and aluminum, which continued to influence domestic scrap pricing.
Overall market sentiment remained cautiously optimistic
While buyers avoided aggressive purchasing, steady industrial demand and stable underlying metal prices supported confidence that the non-ferrous scrap market would remain fundamentally balanced in the near term.
The North American non-ferrous scrap market exhibited mixed price trends during the week, with copper-bearing grades outperforming while most other categories remained largely stable. Steady industrial demand, adequate scrap availability, and disciplined inventory management helped maintain market balance, although buyers remained cautious amid fluctuations in LME base metal prices and broader market uncertainty.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices continued to trend higher during the week, extending the positive momentum from the previous reporting period. Among the major grades, #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing each gained ↑0.49% week over week, while #2 Copper Wire and Tubing posted a slightly stronger increase of ↑0.50%, reflecting sustained strength and positive sentiment across the copper scrap market.
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 | 0.03 | +0.68% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.03 | +0.71% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.03 | +0.72% |
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Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright prices increased by $0.03 per pound as of July 16, 2026, representing a ↑0.49% week-on-week gain. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also advanced by $0.03 per pound, rising ↑0.49% over the same period. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded an identical $0.03 per pound increase, posting a slightly stronger ↑0.50% weekly gain by the close of the reporting week.
Copper scrap prices strengthened during the week ended July 16, 2026, with major grades recording slight gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index. #1 Copper Bare Bright prices advanced by $0.03 per pound, translating to a ↑0.50% week-on-week increase. Similarly, #1 Copper Wire & Tubing prices rose by $0.03 per pound, posting a ↑0.51% gain compared to the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing extended its upward momentum, registering a ↑0.52% increase over the week.
#1 Copper Bare Bright prices increased by $0.03 per pound on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, July 16, 2026, registering a ↑0.48% week-on-week gain. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also advanced by $0.03 per pound, recording a ↑0.49% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing continued its upward momentum, posting a ↑0.49% weekly gain by the close of the reporting period.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Aluminum scrap prices moved higher during the week, with several key grades recording modest gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index. E.C. Aluminum Wire led the advances, rising by $0.02 per lb (↑1.41%) week over week. 6063 Extrusions also strengthened, gaining $0.01 per lb, while Old Cast increased by $0.01 per lb (↑1.14%). UBC prices followed the upward trend, advancing by $0.01 per lb compared with the previous week.
Charts




The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | +1.41% | |
0.01 | +0.99% | |
0.01 | +1.14% | |
0.01 | +1.12% |
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Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
E.C. Aluminum Wire prices climbed by $0.02 per lb (↑1.41%) on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, July 16, 2026. 6063 Extrusions also moved higher, gaining $0.01 per lb from the previous week. Meanwhile, Old Cast prices advanced by $0.01 per lb (↑1.14%), while UBC prices likewise increased by $0.01 per lb on a week-on-week basis, reflecting continued strength across key aluminum scrap grades.
Aluminum scrap prices continued to strengthen during the week, with several major grades recording week-on-week gains. E.C. Aluminum Wire led the advances, rising by $0.02 per pound (↑1.41%), while 6063 Extrusions increased by $0.01 per pound (↑0.99%). Old Cast also moved higher, gaining $0.01 per pound over the previous week, with UBC prices registering an identical $0.01 per pound increase during the reporting period.
E.C. Aluminum Wire prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index climbed by $0.02 per pound (↑1.41%) as of Thursday, July 16, 2026. 6063 Extrusions also edged higher, gaining $0.01 per pound from the previous week. Meanwhile, Old Cast prices advanced by $0.01 per pound (↑1.12%), while UBC prices likewise posted a $0.01 per pound week-on-week increase, extending the positive momentum across key aluminum scrap grades.
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Brass and bronze scrap prices extended their upward momentum during the week, with Yellow Brass rising by ↑0.58% on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Red Brass also finished the week on a stronger note, registering a ↑0.56% week-on-week gain, reflecting steady demand across the brass scrap segment.
Charts


The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | +0.56% | |
0.02 | +0.58% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
Red Brass prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by ↑0.56% as of Thursday, July 16, 2026. Yellow Brass also extended its gains, advancing ↑0.58% week over week, reflecting continued strength in the brass and bronze scrap market.
By the close of the week ended July 16, 2026, Red Brass prices had increased by ↑0.56% from the previous week's close. Yellow Brass also posted a solid week-on-week gain, rising by ↑0.60%, reflecting sustained strength in the brass and bronze scrap market.
Red Brass prices increased by $0.02 per pound, marking a ↑0.54% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, Yellow Brass prices also moved higher, gaining ↑0.55% on the Scrap Monster Price Index by week’s end.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices remained unchanged during the week, with all major grades holding steady, reflecting balanced supply-demand conditions in the market. Scrap Auto Batteries also traded flat, ending the reporting period at the same level as the previous week, indicating stable market fundamentals.
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
Scrap Auto Batteries prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index remained unchanged as of Thursday, July 16, 2026, reflecting stable market conditions and balanced supply-demand fundamentals throughout the reporting week.
Scrap Auto Batteries prices remained stable during the week ended July 16, 2026, closing at the same level as the previous week and reflecting balanced market fundamentals.
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices were flat over the past week, with all categories reporting no change from the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Likewise, Old Zinc Die Cast prices recorded 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
The price of New Zinc Die Cast on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no variation as of Thursday, July 16, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were flat over the previous week.
The zinc scrap market remained stable over the reporting week, with New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast prices showing no week-on-week movement as of July 16, 2026.
Zinc scrap prices showed no movement on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week ended July 16, 2026. Both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index, unchanged from their prior week's closing levels.
Market Drivers
Steel Mill Purchasing Activity
Steel mills are expected to remain cautious in the near term, purchasing scrap primarily to meet immediate production needs. Any improvement in finished steel orders could encourage stronger scrap buying and support prices.
Finished Steel Demand
Demand from the construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors will remain the key driver of scrap consumption. Continued weakness in steel demand is likely to keep pressure on ferrous scrap prices.
Scrap Supply Availability
Ample availability of obsolete and industrial scrap is expected to maintain a balanced supply environment. However, any weather-related disruptions or seasonal declines in collections could tighten supply and lend support to prices.
Turkish Deep-Sea Import Market
Turkey's import demand for HMS 1&2 (80:20) will continue to influence global ferrous scrap pricing. Stronger Turkish buying could lift export prices worldwide, while subdued demand may keep the market under pressure.
These factors suggest that the ferrous scrap market is likely to remain range-bound in the immediate term, with price direction largely dependent on steel demand, mill purchasing activity, and developments in the global export market.
Market Highlights
The closing prices of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of July 16, 2026 are provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $380.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $580.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $378.00 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices witnessed a weak trend week-on-week, driven by subdued steel demand, ample scrap supply, and cautious mill procurement. #1 HMS recorded a decline of $5 per MT (↓1.37%) from the prior-week levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap dropped by ↓1.18% week-on-week. HMS 80/20 and #1 Busheling traded sideways with no notable price movement.
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.850 million NT during the week ended July 11, 2026. This is ↓0.90% week-on-week and ↑3.90% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 79.70% (compared to 80.40% in the week ending July 4, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-135,000 NT, Great Lakes-491,000 NT, Midwest-313,000 NT, Southern-833,000 NT, Western-68,000 NT
Charts




The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
5 | -1.37% | |
5 | -1.18% | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
Ferrous scrap prices edged lower during the week ended July 16, 2026, as reflected in the Scrap Monster Price Index, amid subdued market activity and cautious buying sentiment. Benchmark grades #1 HMS and Shredded Auto Scrap declined by ↓1.37% and ↓1.18%, respectively. Meanwhile, HMS 80/20 and #1 Busheling remained unchanged from the previous week's levels.
#1 HMS prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index declined by ↓1.37% during the week ended July 16, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap also moved lower, falling by ↓1.18% over the same period. Meanwhile, HMS 80/20 and #1 Busheling prices remained unchanged from the previous week's levels, indicating stability in those benchmark grades.
Ferrous scrap prices weakened during the week ended July 16, 2026, with several key benchmark grades posting declines on the Scrap Monster Price Index. #1 HMS and Shredded Auto Scrap both closed lower than the previous week's levels, reflecting subdued market sentiment. In contrast, HMS 80/20 and #1 Busheling remained unchanged throughout the reporting period, indicating stable pricing for those grades.
China Flat
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Stainless steel scrap prices strengthened during the week ended July 16, 2026, with most major grades recording gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 301 SS Solid led the advances, posting the strongest week-on-week increase of ↑2.50%, underscoring sustained positive momentum and firm sentiment across the stainless steel scrap market.
Chart

The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +1.56% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a jump of ↑1.56% as of Thursday, July 16, 2026.
304 SS Solid prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by ↑1.56% during the week ended July 16, 2026. The grade advanced by $0.01 per pound from the previous week's closing level, reflecting continued strength in the stainless steel scrap market.
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, the price of 304 SS Solid increased by ↑1.56% during the week ended July 16, 2026, recording a week-on-week jump of $0.01 per Lb.
China ↑0.45%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
"US ferrous scrap market expectations have weakened ahead of July trade, with seasonal mill outages, extreme heat and power curtailments expected to limit demand and production schedules through the month." — Fastmarkets Team, US Scrap Trends Outlook: July 2026.
Market Outlook
Steel Mill Demand Expected to Remain Steady
Steel mills are likely to maintain cautious procurement strategies in the near term, aligning scrap purchases with production requirements. Demand is expected to remain stable, supported by ongoing infrastructure and manufacturing activity, although seasonal slowdowns may limit significant upside.
Balanced Scrap Supply to Keep Prices Stable
Scrap availability is expected to remain adequate across most major markets, supported by consistent collection and recycling activity. Unless supply disruptions occur, the balanced supply-demand environment is likely to keep ferrous scrap prices within a relatively narrow range.
Finished Steel Demand Will Be a Key Price Driver
The outlook for ferrous scrap prices will largely depend on demand for finished steel from the construction, automotive, machinery, and infrastructure sectors. A sustained recovery in steel consumption would encourage mills to increase scrap purchases and support higher prices.
The ferrous scrap market is expected to remain broadly balanced in the near to medium term, supported by steady steel mill demand, adequate scrap supply, and stable trading conditions. Price movements will largely depend on finished steel demand, global economic activity, raw material costs, and trade policies, with modest upside potential if manufacturing and infrastructure activity strengthen.
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Stainless steel scrap recorded the strongest gains, with 301 SS Solid rising 2.50% and 304 SS Solid increasing 1.56%.
Weak finished steel demand, cautious purchasing by steel mills, and adequate scrap availability weighed on #1 HMS and Shredded Auto Scrap prices.
Copper, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel scrap all recorded modest week-on-week increases, reflecting resilient industrial demand.
Non-ferrous scrap is expected to remain broadly stable, while ferrous scrap prices will depend largely on steel demand, mill procurement activity, and export market conditions.
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.