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Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-07-10 08:14:07
Copper scrap prices displayed a mixed trend during the week, with several key grades posting modest week-on-week gains, while a few categories remained unchanged on the Index.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report examines the latest trends in the North American scrap metal market by analyzing price movements across major scrap categories during the week of July 3–9, 2026. Drawing on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index, it highlights week-over-week price fluctuations and provides insights into prevailing 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 and #2 Insulated Copper Wire 50% Recovery posted the sharpest weekly gains, rising by ↑1.15% and ↑1.06%, respectively, on the Index compared with the prior 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 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.
Zinc scrap values inched upward during the week. New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast both reported slight jumps on the Scrap Monster Price Index, reflecting a firmer weekly tone in North American zinc scrap.
Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices remained unchanged, reflecting a well-balanced market where supply continued to comfortably meet demand.
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
London Metal Exchange (LME) Price Movements
LME prices remain the most influential factor determining non-ferrous scrap values. Scrap buyers and sellers closely track fluctuations in copper, aluminum, nickel, and zinc prices to adjust purchase offers and selling prices. Strong gains in LME prices typically support higher scrap valuations, while declines often result in cautious buying and downward pressure on scrap prices.
Industrial and Manufacturing Demand
Demand from key end-use sectors such as automotive, construction, electrical equipment, consumer appliances, and packaging plays a vital role in shaping the non-ferrous scrap market. Higher manufacturing activity boosts consumption of recycled metals by secondary smelters and fabricators, leading to stronger scrap demand. Conversely, weaker industrial output or slowing economic growth can reduce purchasing activity and soften prices.
Scrap Supply and Collection Rates
The availability of scrap significantly influences market pricing and trading volumes. Supply depends on manufacturing offcuts, demolition activity, obsolete scrap generation, and collection rates from industrial and consumer sources. Seasonal factors, weather conditions, and fluctuations in industrial production can either tighten or improve scrap availability, directly affecting market balance.
Secondary Smelter and Recycler Buying Activity
Purchasing decisions by secondary smelters, refiners, and recycling facilities largely determine short-term market sentiment. These buyers adjust procurement based on production schedules, inventory levels, and anticipated demand from downstream consumers. During periods of market uncertainty, many recyclers adopt a cautious, hand-to-mouth buying strategy, limiting price volatility.
Trade Policies and Global Trade Flows
Import and export regulations, tariffs, sanctions, and environmental restrictions continue to reshape global scrap trade. Policy changes can redirect scrap shipments between regions, affecting both supply availability and regional price differentials. Market participants closely monitor government actions, particularly in major trading economies, as they can significantly influence international scrap flows.
Global Economic Conditions and Market Sentiment
Growing emphasis on decarbonization and resource efficiency continues to strengthen demand for recycled non-ferrous metals. Governments and manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing recycled materials to reduce carbon emissions, improve sustainability, and meet environmental regulations. This structural shift is expected to provide long-term support for non-ferrous scrap demand, even during periods of cyclical market weakness.
The non-ferrous scrap market is primarily driven by LME price movements, industrial demand, scrap availability, recycler buying activity, trade policies, energy costs, global economic conditions, and sustainability initiatives. Together, these factors influence scrap pricing, market sentiment, supply-demand dynamics, and trading activity across major non-ferrous metals.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices trended upward this week, maintaining the positive momentum seen in the prior reporting period. Among the key grades, #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing advanced by ↑0.33% each. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also strengthened, posting a ↑0.34% gain on the Index, reflecting firm market sentiment across the copper scrap segment.
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 | +0.33% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.02 | +0.33% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.02 | +0.34% |
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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 rose by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, July 9, 2026, marking a ↑0.33% increase from the previous week. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also advanced by $0.02 per pound, registering a ↑0.33% weekly gain, while #2 Copper Wire and Tubing climbed by an identical amount, posting a ↑0.34% week-on-week increase by the end of the reporting period.
Copper scrap prices strengthened during the week ended July 9, 2026, with major grades recording slight gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index. #1 Copper Bare Bright prices advanced by $0.02 per pound, translating to a ↑0.34% week-on-week increase. Similarly, #1 Copper Wire & Tubing prices rose by $0.02 per pound, posting a ↑0.34% gain compared to the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing extended its upward momentum, registering a ↑0.35% increase over the week.
#1 Copper Bare Bright prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, July 9, 2026, recording a weekly gain of ↑0.32%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also edged higher by $0.02 per pound, reflecting a ↑0.33% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices advanced by ↑0.33% by the close of the week.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a modest uptick in prices, climbing by $0.04 per Lb (↑2.90%) to finish higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week in positive territory, rising $0.02 per Lb week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a gain of $0.02 per Lb (↑2.33%). UBC prices followed the upward trend, recording a $0.02 per Lb 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 |
0.04 | +2.90% | |
0.02 | +2.02% | |
0.02 | +2.33% | |
0.02 | +2.30% |
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 $0.04 per Lb (↑2.90%) as of Thursday, July 9, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by $0.02 per Lb compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices increased from the previous week's closing price, rising by $0.02 per Lb (↑2.33%) during the week, while UBC prices also increased by $0.02 per Lb on a week-on-week basis.
Aluminum scrap prices moved higher over the past week, with several key grades posting notable gains. E.C. Aluminum Wire recorded the sharpest increase, rising by $0.04 per pound (↑2.90%), while 6063 Extrusions advanced by $0.02 per pound (↑2.02%). Old Cast prices also climbed by $0.02 per pound on a week-on-week basis, and UBC prices registered a similar increase during the same period.
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index climbed by $0.04 per pound (↑2.90%) as of Thursday, July 9, 2026. 6063 Extrusions also moved higher, gaining $0.02 per pound compared with the previous week. By the close of the week, Old Cast prices advanced by $0.02 per pound (↑2.30%), while UBC prices likewise recorded a week-on-week increase of $0.02 per pound.
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a jump in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices increased by ↑0.58% during the course of the week. Red Brass closed on a higher note, rising by ↑0.56% during the week.
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
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, Red Brass prices rose by ↑0.56% as of Thursday, July 9, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted gains, increasing by ↑0.58% on the Index.
By the end of the week ended July 9, 2026, Red Brass prices had risen by ↑0.57% compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week increase, edging up by ↑0.60%.
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 stable during the week, with no changes recorded across major grades, reflecting balanced supply-demand fundamentals. Scrap auto battery prices also held steady, closing the week unchanged from the previous reporting period.
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
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Scrap auto battery prices remained unchanged during the week ending July 9, 2026, holding steady at the previous week's level.
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices edged higher upon comparison with the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.18%. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted a jump of ↑1.28% 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 | +1.18% | |
0.01 | +1.28% |
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 a jump by ↑1.18% as of Thursday, July 9, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.28% over the previous week.
By the conclusion of the week ended July 9, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded increase from the previous week’s price levels.
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed week-over-week jump of ↑1.18% on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, July 9, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices closed at a higher level, recording a jump of ↑1.28% week-over-week.
Market Drivers
Steel Mill Demand
Demand from electric arc furnace (EAF) and integrated steel mills remains the primary driver of ferrous scrap prices. Mill procurement levels are closely linked to steel production schedules, order books, and finished steel demand. Strong mill buying typically supports higher scrap prices, while production cutbacks weaken demand and pressure prices.
Scrap Supply and Collection
The availability of obsolete and industrial scrap plays a crucial role in determining market balance. Supply depends on demolition activity, manufacturing output, automotive recycling, and seasonal collection patterns. Adequate scrap availability generally keeps prices stable, whereas supply shortages can lead to stronger competition among buyers.
Global Steel Production and Capacity Utilization
Steel output levels in major producing countries significantly affect global ferrous scrap demand. Higher capacity utilization increases raw material requirements, while production curbs or maintenance shutdowns reduce scrap consumption. Market participants closely monitor steel production trends for indications of future scrap demand.
Macroeconomic Conditions and Infrastructure Spending
Economic growth, manufacturing activity, government infrastructure investment, and construction demand are key drivers of steel consumption and, consequently, ferrous scrap demand. Positive economic indicators generally support stronger steel production and scrap buying, while slower economic activity encourages cautious purchasing and stable-to-weaker market conditions.
The ferrous scrap market is primarily influenced by steel mill demand, scrap availability, finished steel market conditions, global steel production, trade policies, raw material prices, logistics costs, and broader economic activity. Together, these factors shape supply-demand dynamics, pricing trends, and overall market sentiment.
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of July 2, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $376.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $575.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $380.80 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 1.856 million NT during the week ended July 4, 2026. This is ↑0.80% week-on-week and ↑4.30% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 80.40% (compared to 79.80% in the week ending June 27, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-134,000 NT, Great Lakes-503,000 NT, Midwest-321,000 NT, Southern-832,000 NT, Western-66,000 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 9, 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 9, 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 moved higher during the week under review, with strength evident across major grades on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Among them, 301 SS Solid scrap posted the biggest jump, rising ↑2.56% from the previous week's level, highlighting positive sentiments in the stainless scrap market.
Chart

The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +1.59% |
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 ↑1.59% as of Thursday, July 9, 2026.
304 SS Solid prices registered an increase of ↑1.59% on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity reported a jump of $0.01 per Lb during the week.
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, the price of 304 SS Solid increased by ↑1.59% during the week ended July 9, 2026, recording a week-on-week jump of $0.01 per Lb.
China Flat
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, quoted in the Fastmarkets US Scrap Trends Outlook (July 2026), reflecting cautious purchasing amid seasonal mill outages, adequate scrap availability, and uncertain pricing expectations.
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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The market remained broadly stable, with most non-ferrous scrap categories posting modest gains, while ferrous scrap prices held steady amid balanced market fundamentals.
Aluminum scrap led the gains, with E.C. Aluminum Wire rising 2.90% week over week, followed by stainless steel scrap, which also recorded notable increases.
Steel mill demand, LME metal prices, scrap availability, global economic conditions, trade policies, and finished steel demand are expected to remain the key 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.