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Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-07-31 12:25:30
This report reviews the latest developments in the North American scrap metal market by analyzing price changes across major scrap categories during the week of July 24–30, 2026.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report reviews the latest developments in the North American scrap metal market by analyzing price changes across major scrap categories during the week of July 24–30, 2026. Using data from the Scrap Monster Price Index, it highlights weekly pricing trends, evaluates shifts in market dynamics, and explores the key factors driving price movements and influencing overall market sentiment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Copper scrap prices posted moderate gains over the week, with several major grades moving higher. Sealed Units and Starters recorded the strongest performance, each climbing ↑8.70% from the previous week, while Scrap Electric Motors followed closely with a week-on-week increase of ↑8.33%.
Aluminum scrap prices also showed a modest upward trend on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with most of the listed grades edging higher week over week. All scrap varieties, except Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, Aluminum Radiators, Aluminum Radiators/Fe and Aluminum Transformers, recorded price jumps on the Index.
Brass and bronze scrap prices continued to rise during the week, with most benchmark grades on the Scrap Monster Price Index recording modest week-over-week gains. The continued price appreciation built on the strength seen in the previous reporting period, indicating resilient demand and steady market conditions across the North American brass and bronze scrap market.
Lead scrap prices posted strong week-over-week gains, with all major grades advancing across key North American regional markets. The broad-based increase reflected firm buying activity and strengthening market conditions during the reporting period.
Zinc scrap prices remained stable throughout the week, with the major benchmark grades on the Scrap Monster Price Index showing no week-over-week movement across key North American markets. Both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast held at their previous levels, reflecting balanced market conditions and relatively subdued trading activity during the week.
Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices remained flat during the week, signaling balanced market fundamentals as ample supply continued to satisfy prevailing demand.
In the meantime, stainless steel scrap prices registered a slight decline on the Index during the week 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
Primary Metal Prices (LME/COMEX)
Movements in primary metal prices directly influence scrap valuations. Rising copper, aluminum, lead, nickel, and zinc prices generally lift scrap prices, while declines reduce buying interest.
International Trade and Export Demand
Export demand, particularly from major importing countries, can tighten domestic supplies and support prices. Changes in tariffs, trade policies, and freight costs also influence market dynamics.
Manufacturing and Industrial Activity
Demand from construction, automotive, electrical equipment, aerospace, and machinery sectors affects scrap consumption. Higher industrial output generally boosts non-ferrous scrap demand.
Inventory Levels
Stock levels held by processors, dealers, consumers, and exchanges affect purchasing behavior. Low inventories often encourage aggressive buying, whereas ample stocks can limit price gains.
Seasonal Factors
Weather conditions and seasonal collection patterns influence scrap generation and logistics. Winter weather, holidays, or maintenance shutdowns may reduce supply and affect pricing.
Macroeconomic and Currency Trends
Economic growth, interest rates, inflation, and exchange-rate movements shape industrial metal demand and investment sentiment, indirectly impacting non-ferrous scrap prices.
These are the most commonly cited drivers in weekly North American and global non-ferrous scrap market reports and are applicable across copper, aluminum, brass, bronze, lead, nickel, stainless steel, and zinc scrap markets.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices continued to move higher during the week, extending the gains recorded in the previous reporting period. Among the major grades, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing posted the largest week-over-week increase at ↑2.15%, followed by #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, which advanced ↑2.12%, and #1 Copper Bare Bright, up ↑2.08%. The widespread price appreciation reflected healthy underlying demand and reinforced the positive outlook prevailing in 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 | 0.13 | +2.08% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.13 | +2.12% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.13 | +2.15% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, copper scrap prices continued to trend higher during the week ended July 30, 2026. #1 Copper Bare Bright advanced by $0.13 per pound, representing a ↑2.08% week-over-week increase. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also gained $0.13 per pound, up ↑2.12% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded the strongest performance among the three benchmark grades, climbing $0.13 per pound or ↑2.15% week over week, underscoring sustained strength in the North American copper scrap market.
Copper scrap prices maintained their upward momentum during the week ended July 30, 2026, with leading grades registering modest gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index. #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire & Tubing each increased by $0.13 per pound, reflecting week-over-week gains of ↑2.15% and ↑2.18%, respectively. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also advanced by $0.13 per pound, posting the strongest weekly increase among the benchmark grades at ↑2.22%.
Data from the Scrap Monster Price Index indicated that benchmark copper scrap grades continued to post weekly gains as of July 30, 2026. #1 Copper Bare Bright increased by $0.13 per pound, reflecting a ↑2.05% rise from the previous week. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also advanced $0.13 per pound, registering a ↑2.08% week-over-week gain. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded the strongest performance among the three benchmark grades, climbing $0.13 per pound for a ↑2.12% weekly increase, extending the positive momentum in the North American copper scrap market.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a notable uptick in prices, climbing by ↑1.40% to finish higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week in positive territory, rising ↑0.98% week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a healthy gain of ↑1.12%. UBC prices followed the upward trend, recording a ↑1.11% increase over the same period.
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 | +1.40% | |
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
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a jump of ↑1.40% as of Thursday, July 30, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by ↑0.98% compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices increased from the previous week's closing price, edging higher by ↑1.12% during the week, while UBC prices also increased by ↑1.11% on a week-on-week basis.
Aluminum scrap prices showed gains over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire rose by $0.02 per pound, while 6063 Extrusions climbed ↑0.98%. Old Cast advanced ↑1.16% week-on-week, and UBC prices increased by ↑1.14% during the same period.
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded an increase of ↑1.40% as of Thursday, July 30, 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 increased by $0.01 per Lb. Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week jump by ↑1.10%.
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Brass and bronze scrap prices extended their gains during the week, with benchmark grades on the Scrap Monster Price Index posting modest increases. Yellow Brass advanced ↑0.85% week over week, while Red Brass rose ↑0.82%, highlighting sustained buying interest and continued resilience in the North American brass scrap market.
Charts


The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.03 | +0.82% | |
0.03 | +0.85% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
According to theScrap Monster Price Index, Red Brass prices rose ↑0.82% as of July 30, 2026, while Yellow Brass posted a slightly stronger ↑0.85% week-on-week gain, highlighting sustained strength in the brass and bronze scrap market.
Brass and bronze scrap prices ended the week on a firmer note, with benchmark grades on the Scrap Monster Price Index extending their gains. By July 30, 2026, Red Brass had risen ↑0.83% from the previous week, while Yellow Brass posted a stronger ↑0.88% week-over-week increase, reflecting sustained demand and positive pricing momentum across the North American brass and bronze scrap market.
Red Brass prices increased by $0.03 per pound, marking a ↑0.79% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, Yellow Brass prices also moved higher, gaining ↑0.81% on the Scrap Monster Price Index by week’s end.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices recorded sharp gains during the week, with all major grades posting significant week-over-week increases. The rally was supported by tight supplies of spent lead-acid batteries, which constrained scrap availability, while steady procurement by battery recyclers kept demand robust. Scrap Auto Batteries emerged as the top performer, climbing ↑15.38% from the previous week.
Chart

The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.04 | +15.38% |
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 $0.04 per Lb as of Thursday, July 30, 2026, reflecting significantly tightened raw material availability for secondary lead producers.
Scrap Auto Batteries prices recorded a substantial week-on-week jump of ↑15.38% during the week ended July 30, 2026, recording an increase of $0.04 per Lb over the previous week's prices.
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded a notable jump of $0.04 per Lb (↑15.38%) on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices remained stable during the week, with all benchmark grades on the Scrap Monster Price Index holding unchanged from the previous reporting period. Both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded no week-over-week price movement, reflecting balanced market fundamentals, adequate supply-demand conditions, and subdued trading activity across the North American zinc scrap market.
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 30, 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 30, 2026.
The zinc scrap market remained steady during the week ended July 30, 2026, with New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast prices unchanged from the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
Market Drivers
Mill Purchasing Activity
Steel mill buying programs will remain the primary determinant of ferrous scrap prices. Any increase in mill procurement ahead of production cycles could support higher scrap values.
Steel Production Rates
Operating rates at electric arc furnace (EAF) mills will continue to influence scrap demand. Higher steel output is likely to boost scrap consumption, while production cuts may soften buying interest.
Scrap Generation and Collection
The availability of obsolete and industrial scrap remains a key factor. Seasonal fluctuations, demolition activity, and manufacturing scrap generation will determine overall supply levels.
Export Demand
Overseas demand, particularly from major importers such as Türkiye, India, and Southeast Asia, could tighten domestic scrap availability and lend support to North American prices.
The above factors are the most likely to shape the North American ferrous scrap market over the near to medium term, particularly in an environment where prices are currently stable, and market participants are awaiting clearer demand signals.
Market Highlights
The closing prices of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of July 30, 2026 are provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $380.50 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $576.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $370.20 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices remained unchanged during the week, with all major grades on the Index holding at their previous week's levels. #1 HMS, HMS 80/20, Shredded Auto Scrap, and #1 Busheling all recorded no week-over-week price movement.
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.858 million NT during the week ended July 25, 2026. This is ↑1.50% week-on-week and ↑4.90% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 80.50% (compared to 79.30% in the week ending July 18, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-132,000 NT, Great Lakes-500,000 NT, Midwest-317,000 NT, Southern-848,000 NT, Western-61,000 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
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, ferrous scrap prices remained unchanged during the week ended July 30, 2026, with all major benchmark grades holding steady. #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling were all unchanged from the previous week, indicating a stable pricing environment across the North American 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 witnessed no variation from the previous week's prices.
Ferrous scrap prices remained unchanged during the week ended July 30, 2026, with all major benchmark grades on the Scrap Monster Price Index holding steady from the previous week. #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling all traded at unchanged levels throughout the reporting period.
China Flat
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices reported a decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices were down by $0.01 per Lb (↓1.52%) towards the end of the week.
Chart

The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | -1.52% |
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 decline of ↓1.52% as of Thursday, July 30, 2026.
304 SS Solid prices witnessed a dip of $0.01 per Lb on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity recorded a week-over-week decline of ↓1.52% during the week.
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index dropped slightly over the previous week. The prices were down by ↓1.43% during the week ended Thursday, July 30, 2026.
China Flat
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
"Steel mill purchasing remains disciplined, with buying closely aligned to production requirements rather than inventory building."— Lee Allen, Strategic Markets Editor, Scrap, at Fastmarkets.
Market Outlook
Prices Likely to Remain Range-Bound
Ferrous scrap prices are expected to trade within a narrow range over the near term as buyers and sellers await stronger demand signals. Any price movement is likely to be gradual rather than abrupt.
Steel Mill Demand to Dictate Market Direction
Procurement activity by electric arc furnace (EAF) steel mills will remain the key market driver. Higher mill operating rates could support prices, while cautious purchasing may keep the market stable.
Seasonal Tightening in Scrap Supply
Scrap generation may ease in the coming weeks due to seasonal factors and lower collection activity, potentially tightening supply and providing modest support to prices.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
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Copper Scrap Prices | Aluminum Scrap Prices | Steel Scrap Prices | Brass Scrap Prices | Scrap Yard Directory | Company Directory | Daily Market Report
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Lead scrap led the market, with Scrap Auto Batteries surging 15.38% week over week due to tight raw material availability and firm recycler demand.
Steel and zinc scrap prices were largely unchanged, with benchmark grades holding steady throughout the reporting week.
Stainless steel scrap softened during the week, with 304 SS Solid falling 1.52% on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
Ferrous scrap prices are expected to remain range-bound, with steel mill demand, export activity, and scrap supply likely to determine future price 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.