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Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-06-19 11:01:49
Copper scrap markets displayed a mixed pattern, with most grades holding steady compared to the prior week, while a few recorded declines.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report reviews the latest pricing trends in the North American scrap metal market, analyzing week-over-week movements across key scrap categories using Scrap Monster Price Index data for the period June 12–18, 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Copper scrap prices edged lower during the week, with most grades remaining stable while a handful of key categories registered modest declines. Among the biggest losers, #3 Copper–Light Copper and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing fell by ↓0.99% and ↓0.98%, respectively, from the previous week.
Aluminum scrap prices posted a modest week-on-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with most tracked grades moving lower. However, Al/Cu Radiators and Al/Cu Radiators/Fe bucked the broader trend, holding steady during the period.
Brass and bronze scrap prices remained stable during the week, with no changes recorded from the previous week's levels. In the meantime, lead scrap markets remained stable, with no price variations reported across key regional markets.
Zinc scrap prices recorded no variation across key regions. Meanwhile, the absence of price movement in global steel scrap benchmarks pointed to a balanced market environment, with available supply adequately meeting demand requirements.
Stainless steel scrap prices recorded no movement 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
Primary Metal Price Movements
Changes in benchmark prices for copper, aluminum, zinc, nickel, and lead on major exchanges significantly influence scrap values. During the past week, weaker base metal prices in several segments pressured scrap buying activity, while recyclers adjusted offers to reflect lower replacement costs.
Smelter and Secondary Producer Demand
Consumption levels from secondary smelters and alloy manufacturers remained a key driver. Facilities maintaining stable production schedules continued procuring scrap, while plants facing margin pressure adopted a more cautious purchasing approach, limiting upward price momentum.
Industrial Manufacturing Activity
Demand from construction, automotive, electrical equipment, and machinery sectors directly impacts scrap consumption. Mixed manufacturing indicators led to selective buying, particularly for high-grade copper and aluminum scrap used in value-added applications.
Trade and Export Demand
Overseas demand, especially from Asian consumers, remained an important factor. Export orders for copper and aluminum scrap fluctuated as buyers assessed metal price trends and freight costs, creating uneven demand across grades.
Inventory Management and Market Sentiment
Market participants closely monitored inventory levels and economic signals. Many buyers limited stock-building activity amid uncertainty surrounding global growth prospects, while sellers held material back in anticipation of potential price stabilization, reducing spot market availability.
Refined Metal Supply and Mine Production Trends
Developments in primary metal supply influenced scrap demand during the week. Expectations of increased mine output or refined metal availability reduced urgency among consumers to secure scrap, while concerns over supply disruptions supported demand for recycled feedstock as an alternative raw material source.
The non-ferrous scrap market last week was primarily driven by fluctuations in base metal prices, secondary smelter demand, industrial activity, scrap availability, export orders, currency movements, and processing costs. Market sentiment remained cautious amid economic uncertainty, interest-rate expectations, and evolving primary metal supply conditions, leading buyers and sellers to closely manage inventories and purchasing decisions.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Weak market participation and cautious purchasing sentiment weighed on copper scrap prices over the past week. Among the key grades, #1 Copper Bare Bright eased ↓0.94%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded declines of ↓0.96% and ↓0.98%, respectively.
Charts



The table below highlights 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 | 0.06 | -0.94% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.06 | -0.96% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.06 | -0.98% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
Copper scrap prices trended lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week ended June 18, 2026. #1 Copper Bare Bright slipped by $0.06 per pound (↓0.94%), while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing eased by the same amount (↓0.96%). Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded the steepest decline among the key grades, falling ↓0.98% week-on-week.
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright fell by $0.06 per pound as of Thursday, June 18, 2026, reflecting a ↓0.97% week-on-week decline. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also eased by $0.06 per pound, down ↓0.99% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing declined ↓1.01%, ending the week on a softer footing.
Copper scrap prices on the U.S. West Coast trended lower during the week ended June 18, 2026. According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright dropped by $0.06 per pound (↓0.93%), while #1 Copper Wire & Tubing fell by the same amount (↓0.94%). Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded a week-on-week decline of ↓0.96%.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: The aluminum scrap market remained under pressure during the week under review. E.C. Aluminum Wire posted the sharpest decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index, falling $0.07 per pound (↓4.38%), while 6063 Extrusions and Old Cast each shed $0.04 per pound. UBC prices followed the broader downward trend, also declining by $0.04 per pound (↓4.12%)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 |
0.07 | -4.38% | |
0.04 | -3.60% | |
0.04 | -4.12% | |
0.04 | -4.08% |
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Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
Broad weakness persisted across the aluminum scrap market, with E.C. Aluminum Wire registering the largest decline at ↓4.38%. Other key grades, including 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast, and UBC, also recorded lower prices as market sentiment remained subdued.
Aluminum scrap prices posted declines over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices dropped by $0.07 per pound(↓4.38%), while 6063 Extrusions edged lower by $0.04 per Lb (↓3.60%). Old Cast prices saw a dip of $0.04 per Lb week-on-week. Similarly, UBC prices decreased by $0.04 per Lb during the same period.
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, E.C. Aluminum Wire prices fell by $0.07 per pound as of June 18, 2026. Meanwhile, 6063 Extrusions declined by $0.04 per pound from the previous week's level. Old Cast also moved lower, shedding $0.04 per pound (↓4.08%), while UBC prices recorded a week-on-week decline of $0.04 per pound.
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there were no variation brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices held steady. Red Brass closed flat 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 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
The price of Red Brass on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no fluctuation as of Thursday, June 18, 2026. Yellow Brass prices also recorded no variation in prices.
By the conclusion of the week ended June 18, 2026, the price of Red Brass had recorded no variation. Additionally, Yellow Brass prices were flat.
Red Brass witnessed no change in prices from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Yellow Brass had reported no variation at the close of the week.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices traded flat over the week, indicating stable supply-demand fundamentals. Scrap auto battery prices also held steady, closing the week at unchanged levels.
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, June 18, 2026.
Scrap auto battery prices remained stable during the week ending June 18, 2026, with no change recorded compared to the previous week's levels.
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, June 18, 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 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, June 18, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were also 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 June 18, 2026.
Zinc scrap prices showed no movement on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week ended June 18, 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
Scrap demand was largely influenced by buying programs from electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers and integrated mills. Mills adjusted procurement volumes based on order books, production schedules, and raw material inventories, directly affecting scrap pricing and trade volumes.
Export Market Demand
International demand, particularly from major importing regions such as Turkey and Asia, remained a key price driver. Export tenders and booking activity influenced domestic scrap valuations and market sentiment across global ferrous scrap markets.
Iron Ore and Alternative Raw Material Prices
Movements in iron ore, pig iron, and direct reduced iron (DRI) markets affected the competitiveness of ferrous scrap. When alternative metallics became more expensive, mills showed greater interest in scrap purchases.
Freight, Logistics, and Transportation Costs
Transportation expenses, vessel freight rates, rail movements, and trucking availability impacted delivered scrap costs. Logistical constraints in certain regions influenced trade flows and localized pricing trends.
Energy Costs and Production Economics
Electricity, natural gas, and fuel prices continued to affect steelmaking economics. Higher energy costs increased operational expenses for both recyclers and steel producers, influencing scrap procurement strategies and pricing decisions.
Market Sentiment and Inventory Management
Buyers and sellers closely monitored economic indicators, steel demand prospects, and inventory levels. Many market participants adopted a cautious stance, balancing immediate procurement needs against expectations for future price movements, which affected transaction activity and market liquidity.
The ferrous scrap market last week was primarily influenced by steel mill buying activity, finished steel demand, export market trends, scrap supply availability, and the competitiveness of alternative raw materials such as iron ore and pig iron. Freight and energy costs, along with cautious inventory management and broader market sentiment, also played important roles in shaping pricing and trading activity.
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of June 18, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $385.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $588.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $385.80 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 1.854 million NT during the week ended June 13, 2026. This is ↓1.20% week-on-week and ↑3.50% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 80.3% (compared to 81.3% in the week ending June 6, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-137,000 NT, Great Lakes-498,000 NT, Midwest-316,000 NT, Southern-835,000 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 |
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 June 18, 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.
Ferrous scrap prices showed no week-on-week movement as of June 18, 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: The stainless steel scrap market traded sideways over the previous week, with prices holding firm across key grades. Notably, 304 SS Solid scrap remained unchanged from the prior week's level on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
Chart

The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
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 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no variation as of Thursday, June 18, 2026.
304 SS Solid prices registered no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity held steady during the week.
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, the price of 304 SS Solid remained unchanged during the week ended June 18, 2026, maintaining the same level as the previous week.
China ↑0.17%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
"In Chicago, strong HRC prices are still giving the mills room to buy scrap. Export has cooled off a bit, but overall it feels like a pretty balanced market.” — Lou Plucinski, commenting on the U.S. ferrous scrap market.
Market Outlook
Steel Mill Demand Expected to Remain Supportive
Domestic steel mills continue to maintain relatively stable production rates, supporting scrap consumption. As long as steel demand from construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors remains steady, scrap purchasing activity is likely to remain healthy.
Export Demand Remains a Key Price Driver
Export markets, particularly Türkiye and parts of Asia, continue to influence global scrap pricing. Any increase in overseas buying activity could tighten domestic supplies and push prices higher, while weaker export demand may cap gains.
Steel Price Performance Will Influence Scrap Buying
Strong finished steel prices generally improve mill profitability and allow producers to pay more for scrap. If hot-rolled coil and other steel products maintain current price levels, scrap demand is likely to remain resilient.
The ferrous scrap market outlook remains cautiously positive, supported by stable steel production, constrained scrap supply, and ongoing industrial demand. While economic uncertainty and uneven export activity may limit sharp price increases, market fundamentals currently point toward stable-to-firmer pricing in the near term.
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Ferrous scrap prices remained unchanged across key grades, including #1 HMS, HMS 80/20, Shredded Auto Scrap, and #1 Busheling, reflecting balanced market fundamentals.
Steel mill purchasing activity, export demand, steel prices, scrap availability, transportation costs, and inventory management were the primary market drivers.
The market outlook is cautiously optimistic, with stable mill demand and tight supply conditions supporting stable-to-firmer pricing in the near term.
Aluminum scrap recorded the sharpest declines, with E.C. Aluminum Wire falling 4.38%, while several copper scrap grades declined by nearly 1%.
He noted that strong hot-rolled coil prices continue to support mill scrap purchases, while softer export demand has kept the market broadly balanced.
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.