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Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-07-24 07:37:49
This report provides an overview of recent developments in the North American scrap metal market by tracking price movements across key scrap categories during the week of July 17–23, 2026.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report provides an overview of recent developments in the North American scrap metal market by tracking price movements across key scrap categories during the week of July 17–23, 2026. Drawing on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index, it examines weekly price fluctuations, identifies emerging market trends, and assesses the factors influencing pricing and overall market sentiment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Copper scrap prices strengthened modestly during the week, with gains recorded across several key grades. Xmas Lights led the advance, rising ↑3.23% from the previous week, while Starters and Sealed Units each registered a ↑2.22% week-on-week increase.
Aluminum scrap prices registered a modest week-on-week increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index, although the majority of tracked grades remained unchanged. The gains were concentrated in a few categories, including Mixed Aluminum Turnings, Breakage 50% Recovery, and E.C. Aluminum Wire, all of which recorded slight price increases during the week.
Brass and bronze scrap prices continued their upward trajectory during the week, registering modest week-on-week gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The advance extended the positive momentum observed in the previous reporting period, reflecting sustained strength in the market. Meanwhile, lead scrap prices surged higher, with all major grades recording notable gains across key North American regional markets.
Zinc scrap prices remained unchanged across major North American markets during the week. Both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index, indicating stable pricing conditions and subdued trading activity throughout the reporting period.
Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices remained flat during the week, signaling balanced market fundamentals as ample supply continued to satisfy prevailing demand.
Stainless steel scrap prices edged higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the period under review, reflecting modest gains across the market.
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
Firm Copper Fundamentals
Copper scrap prices continued to strengthen as healthy demand from wire and cable manufacturers, coupled with stable refined copper prices, encouraged higher buying activity across major grades.
Stable Secondary Aluminum Demand
Demand from secondary aluminum smelters and foundries remained consistent, resulting in slight price gains for select grades such as Mixed Aluminum Turnings, Breakage 50% Recovery, and E.C. Aluminum Wire, while most other grades held steady.
Improved Stainless Steel Scrap Buying
Stainless steel scrap prices edged higher as stainless producers maintained steady procurement, supported by stable nickel market conditions and regular mill purchasing activity.
Healthy Brass and Bronze Consumption
Continued demand from plumbing, engineering, and industrial manufacturers supported modest price increases in Yellow Brass and Red Brass scrap, extending the positive momentum seen in recent weeks.
Balanced Zinc Scrap Market
Zinc scrap prices remained unchanged, reflecting an equilibrium between available supply and consumer demand. Adequate inventories limited upward price pressure across zinc scrap grades.
Cautious but Positive Market Sentiment
Market participants adopted a cautiously optimistic stance. While uncertainty surrounding broader economic conditions and trade developments persisted, stable industrial activity and balanced supply-demand fundamentals helped sustain the overall upward bias in non-ferrous scrap prices.
The North American non-ferrous scrap market maintained a firm tone last week, supported by steady manufacturing demand, selective supply tightness, and consistent buying from secondary smelters and industrial consumers. Copper, brass, bronze, stainless steel, and select aluminum grades posted modest gains, while zinc prices remained stable amid balanced supply-demand conditions.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices extended their upward trend during the week, building on the positive momentum seen in the previous reporting period. Among the key grades, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded the strongest increase, rising ↑0.84% week over week, followed by #1 Copper Wire and Tubing at ↑0.83% and #1 Copper Bare Bright at ↑0.81%. The broad-based gains underscored firm market fundamentals and continued positive sentiment across the North American 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 | 0.05 | +0.81% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.05 | +0.83% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.05 | +0.84% |
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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 rose by $0.05 per pound as of July 23, 2026, marking a ↑0.81% week-on-week increase. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also gained $0.05 per pound, translating into a ↑0.83% weekly rise. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing advanced by the same $0.05 per pound, registering the strongest increase among the three grades at ↑0.84% week over week by the end of the reporting period.
Copper scrap prices extended their gains during the week ended July 23, 2026, with major grades posting modest increases on the Scrap Monster Price Index. #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire & Tubing each rose by $0.05 per pound, gaining ↑0.84% and ↑0.85%, respectively. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also advanced by $0.05 per pound, recording the strongest weekly increase at ↑0.87%.
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright climbed $0.05 per pound as of July 23, 2026, posting a ↑0.80% week-on-week gain. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also increased by $0.05 per pound, rising ↑0.81% from the previous week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing matched the $0.05 per pound increase, recording the strongest weekly gain among the three grades at ↑0.83%.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Aluminum scrap prices mostly held steady during the week, with a few grades recording modest gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices edged higher, rising by $0.01 per lb (↑0.70%) week over week. Meanwhile, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast, and UBC prices recorded no variation 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 |
0.01 | +0.70% | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
E.C. Aluminum Wire prices climbed by $0.01 per lb (↑0.70%) on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, July 23, 2026. However, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast, and UBC prices held steady on the Index.
Aluminum scrap prices continued to strengthen during the week, with a few major grades recording week-on-week gains. E.C. Aluminum Wire advanced, rising by $0.01 per pound (↑0.70%), while 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast, and UBC prices witnessing no variation over the previous week's prices.
E.C. Aluminum Wire prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index climbed by $0.01 per pound (↑0.70%) as of Thursday, July 23, 2026. Meanwhile, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast, and UBC prices held steady on the Index.
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Brass and bronze scrap prices maintained their upward momentum during the week, with Yellow Brass rising ↑1.15% and Red Brass gaining ↑1.10% on the Scrap Monster Price Index, reflecting continued strength in demand across the brass scrap market.
Charts


The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.04 | +1.10% | |
0.04 | +1.15% |
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Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, Red Brass prices rose ↑1.10% as of July 23, 2026, while Yellow Brass posted a slightly stronger ↑1.15% week-on-week gain, highlighting sustained strength in the brass and bronze scrap market.
By the close of the week ended July 23, 2026, Red Brass prices had advanced ↑1.12% from the previous week, while Yellow Brass recorded a stronger ↑1.18% week-on-week gain, underscoring continued strength in the brass and bronze scrap market.
Red Brass prices increased by $0.04 per pound, marking a ↑1.07% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, Yellow Brass prices also moved higher, gaining ↑1.10% on the Scrap Monster Price Index by week’s end.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices surged during the week, with all major grades reporting substantial gains, driven by tight availability of spent lead-acid batteries, which significantly reduced scrap supply, while demand from battery recyclers remained firm. Scrap Auto Batteries witnessed the biggest jump, rising by ↑0.83% week-on-week.
Chart

The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | +8.33% |
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 edged higher by $0.02 per Lb as of Thursday, July 23, 2026, reflecting a huge turnaround in market fundamentals during the reporting week.
Scrap Auto Batteries prices recorded a substantial week-on-week jump of ↑8.33% during the week ended July 23, 2026, recording an increase of $0.02 per Lb over the previous week's prices.
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded a notable jump of $0.02 per Lb (↑8.33%) on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices remained unchanged during the week, with all tracked grades holding steady from the previous reporting period. Both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded no week-on-week price movement on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
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 23, 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 23, 2026.
Zinc scrap prices showed no movement on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week ended July 23, 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
Balanced Supply and Demand
The ferrous scrap market remained well balanced throughout the week, with available scrap volumes adequately meeting steelmakers' procurement needs. This equilibrium prevented significant price volatility and kept benchmark prices largely unchanged.
Steady Steel Mill Purchasing
Steel mills continued to procure scrap at a measured pace, focusing on routine buying rather than aggressive spot purchases. Comfortable raw material inventories reduced the need for higher-priced procurement.
Stable Finished Steel Demand
Demand from the construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors remained broadly stable, supporting consistent steel production. Although demand was not particularly strong, it was sufficient to sustain regular scrap consumption.
Adequate Scrap Collection Flows
Scrap generation and collection remained healthy, ensuring a steady flow of material into recycling yards and processing facilities. The ample supply helped offset any localized shortages and maintained market stability.
The above factors indicate that the ferrous scrap market is currently in a well-balanced and stable phase, with neither supply nor demand exerting significant pressure on prices. In the near to medium term, prices are likely to remain range-bound unless there is a notable shift in steel demand, export activity, or raw material costs.
Market Highlights
The closing prices of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of July 23, 2026 are provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $388.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $580.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $370.60 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices remained flat week-on-week, signaling stable market fundamentals and balanced supply-demand dynamics. #1 HMS held firm at prior-week levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also traded sideways with no notable price movement.
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.830 million NT during the week ended July 18, 2026. This is ↓0.50% week-on-week and ↑3.30% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 79.30% (compared to 79.70% in the week ending July 11, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-124,000 NT, Great Lakes-483,000 NT, Midwest-324,000 NT, Southern-829,000 NT, Western-70,000 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 |
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
Ferrous scrap prices remained stable during the week ended July 23, 2026, according to the Scrap Monster Price Index, reflecting balanced supply-demand conditions and steady market activity. Major benchmark grades, including #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling, were unchanged from the previous week, indicating a lack of significant pricing pressures across the steel scrap market.
#1 HMS prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week. Meanwhile, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling all posted week-on-week gains, reflecting firmer pricing across several key ferrous scrap grades.
Ferrous scrap prices showed no week-on-week movement as of July 23, 2026, with all major benchmark grades holding steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling remained unchanged throughout the reporting period, underscoring a balanced and stable steel scrap market.
China Flat
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Stainless steel scrap prices strengthened during the week ended July 23, 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 ↑2.44%, 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 | +1.54% |
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 ↑1.54% as of Thursday, July 23, 2026.
304 SS Solid prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by ↑1.54% during the week ended July 23, 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 ↑1.54% during the week ended July 23, 2026, recording a week-on-week jump of $0.01 per Lb.
China ↑0.44%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
"Buyers are in wait-and-see mode." — Survey participant, Fastmarkets US Scrap Trends Outlook, July 2026.
Market Outlook
Prices Likely to Remain Range-Bound
Ferrous scrap prices are expected to remain largely stable in the near term, supported by balanced supply-demand fundamentals. Any meaningful price movement will likely depend on changes in steel production or export demand.
Steel Mill Buying to Stay Disciplined
Steelmakers are likely to continue purchasing scrap based on production requirements rather than building inventories. This measured buying approach is expected to limit sharp price fluctuations.
Steel Demand Will Be the Key Driver
The outlook for ferrous scrap will largely depend on demand from the construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. Stronger finished steel orders could boost scrap consumption and support higher prices.
The ferrous scrap market is expected to remain stable in the near to medium term, supported by balanced supply-demand fundamentals and disciplined steel mill purchasing. Future price direction will largely depend on finished steel demand, export activity, and trends in key steelmaking raw materials, while broader economic and trade developments will continue to shape market sentiment.
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Lead scrap posted the strongest increase, while copper, brass, and stainless steel also recorded notable week-on-week gains.
Balanced supply-demand conditions, steady steel mill procurement, and adequate scrap availability kept benchmark ferrous scrap prices unchanged.
Zinc scrap prices were flat across North America, with both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recording no week-on-week change.
Steel demand, export buying, raw material costs, and broader economic and trade developments are expected to be the primary drivers of market direction.
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.