Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- March 13-19, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-03-20 04:29:41
Aluminum scrap prices generally trended lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index, although certain categories recorded no change during the period.
By MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report outlines week-over-week price trends across major scrap metal categories in North America, based on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index for March 13–19, 2026.
Copper scrap markets displayed a mixed pattern, with most grades posting slight declines compared to the prior week, while a few held steady.
Aluminum scrap prices generally trended lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index, although certain categories recorded no change during the period.
Brass and bronze scrap values continued to edge down, extending the previous week’s softness. In contrast, lead scrap prices remained stable, with no notable fluctuations across key regions.
Zinc scrap prices also moved lower over the week. Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmarks stayed flat, indicating stable market conditions. Stainless steel scrap prices likewise showed no movement throughout the review period.
In short, scrap metal markets showed a mixed-to-weak trend during the period, with several segments recording modest week-on-week declines while a few remained stable. Non-ferrous categories generally moved lower, reflecting subdued demand conditions.
However, some segments held steady without any price changes, indicating pockets of stability. Overall, the market sentiment remained cautious, with limited volatility across major categories.
For full market breakdowns, visit the Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub or track real-time prices via the US Scrap Price Index.
NON-FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Soft End-Use Demand
Modest price declines across several segments indicate subdued demand from downstream industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing, limiting upward price momentum.Oversupply in Select Scrap Streams
The sharper corrections in certain categories suggest localized oversupply, where inflows of scrap exceeded immediate consumption needs, putting downward pressure on prices.Stable Secondary Processing Activity
The presence of unchanged prices in a few segments points to balanced conditions, where recyclers and smelters maintained steady procurement aligned with production requirements.Global Base Metal Price Influence
Weakness in underlying base metal benchmarks likely filtered into scrap pricing, as scrap values typically track refined metal market movements.Cautious Trading Sentiment
Limited volatility and mostly marginal declines reflect a wait-and-watch approach among market participants, with buyers avoiding aggressive stocking amid uncertain price direction.Regional Market Stability in Certain Metals
The absence of price changes in specific categories suggests stable regional demand-supply dynamics, particularly in segments less exposed to short-term industrial fluctuations.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices declined over the past week, weighed down by subdued trading activity and weak buying interest. #1 Copper Bare Bright dropped by ↓4.60%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing fell ↓4.68%. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing registered a week-on-week decrease of ↓4.77%.
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 | 0.26 | -4.60% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.26 | -4.68% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.26 | -4.77% |
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Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright fell by $0.26 per pound as of Thursday, March 19, 2026, marking a week-on-week decline of ↓4.60%. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing also dropped by $0.26 per pound, down ↓4.68% from the previous week. Likewise, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing registered a ↓4.77% decrease over the same period.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright fell by $0.25 per pound as of Thursday, March 19, 2026, reflecting a ↓4.59% week-on-week decline. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also eased by $0.25 per pound, down ↓4.67% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing declined ↓4.76%, ending the week on a softer footing.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index declined by $0.26 per pound as of Thursday, March 19, 2026, representing a week-on-week drop of ↓4.48%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also edged down by $0.26 per pound, posting a ↓4.55% decrease from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded a ↓4.63% decline by the close of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The top loser was #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, whose prices were down by ↓5.93%
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded sharp week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The category to record the largest dip was Copper sheet cutting, which was down by ↓11.41%
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: E.C. Aluminum Wire prices declined by ↓5.73% over the past week, with the Scrap Monster Price Index showing a modest drop of $0.09 per lb by week’s end. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week lower, down ↓5.36%compared to the previous week. Old Cast prices fell ↓5.05%, while UBC prices recorded a ↓5.00% week-on-week decline.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.09 | -5.73% | |
0.06 | -5.36% | |
0.05 | -5.05% | |
0.05 | -5.00% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a fall of ↓5.73% as of Thursday, March 19, 2026. 6063 Extrusions prices witnessed a decline of ↓5.36%, compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices were down by ↓5.05% during the week. Additionally, UBC prices saw a dip of ↓5.00% on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices mostly registered decline over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire ended the week down by $0.09 per Lb during the course of the week, while 6063 Extrusions were down by ↓5.45% on the Index. Old Cast prices reported a downward movement of ↓5.21% week-on-week. Also, UBC prices edged lower by ↓5.10% at the close of the week.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a dip of ↓5.73% as of Thursday, March 19, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were down by ↓5.36% upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast witnessed a decline of ↓5.00%. Also, UBC prices dropped by ↓4.95% week-on-week.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded decline from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Old Cast and Old Sheet prices recorded the biggest declines, falling by ↓3.77% each on the Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories edged lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum ingots prices witnessed a decline of INR 10,000 per MT during the week.
- The price of Aluminum utensil scrap was down by ↓2.96% during the week ended March 19, 2026.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there were a decline in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices were down by ↓2.42%. Red Brass prices edged lower by ↓2.32% upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.08 | -2.32% | |
0.08 | -2.42% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
The price of Red Brass on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a decline of ↓2.32% as of Thursday, March 19, 2026. Yellow Brass prices also witnessed a fall of ↓2.42% in prices over the previous week's prices.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended March 19, 2026, the price of Red Brass had recorded a downward movement of ↓2.36% . Additionally, Yellow Brass prices were down by ↓2.49%.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass witnessed a dip in prices of ↓2.24%from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Yellow Brass had reported a decline of ↓2.37%.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Yellow Brass ↓2.97%
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The largest weekly dip of ↓5.69% was seen in Brass Cuttings
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap held steady throughout the week, reflecting a balanced market with little change in supply or demand. Scrap Auto Battery prices remained flat, ending the week unchanged.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Thursday, March 19, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended March 19, 2026, the price of Scrap Auto Batteries maintained previous week’s price level.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, March 19, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted no variation week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- On the contrary, Auto Battery prices recorded a dip of CNY 50 per MT from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories in the region recorded decline in prices over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices recorded declines over the past week, with all categories witnessing fall from the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices were down by ↓2.38% week-over-week. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted a decline of ↓2.82% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | -2.38% | |
0.02 | -2.82% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The price of New Zinc Die Cast on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a decline of ↓2.38% as of Thursday, March 19, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were down by ↓2.82% over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended March 19, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded declines on the Index by ↓2.38% and ↓2.82% respectively from the previous week’s price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed week-over-week decline of ↓2.38% on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, March 19, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were down by ↓2.82% week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a decline of ↓2.70% on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price edged lower by CNY 450 per MT during the week ended March 19, 2026.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a modest decline of ↓4.94% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Surging Energy Costs (Primary Cost Driver)
The conflict has triggered sharp increases in oil and gas prices, directly raising steelmaking costs—especially for electric arc furnace (EAF) producers that rely heavily on electricity. This creates a cost-push effect across the ferrous scrap value chain.Freight and Shipping Cost Inflation
Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea have significantly increased freight rates and insurance premiums. Higher transportation costs raise the landed price of imported scrap, discouraging trade flows and tightening regional availability.Trade Flow Disruptions and Route Realignment
The conflict is restricting exports from key regional producers like Iran and affecting shipping routes. This leads to rerouting of cargoes, delays, and temporary supply mismatches in importing markets such as India and Asia.Input Cost Inflation Across the Steel Value Chain
Beyond scrap, costs of raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and energy inputs are rising simultaneously. This compresses mill margins and limits their ability to pay higher scrap prices, contributing to stable or subdued scrap markets.- Steel Demand Risk from Macroeconomic Pressure
War-driven inflation and energy shocks are slowing global industrial activity. As manufacturing and construction weaken, steel demand softens—reducing scrap consumption despite rising production costs. - Potential Supply Constraints from Energy or Infrastructure Damage
Attacks on energy infrastructure and the risk of prolonged disruption to fuel supply can reduce steel production capacity in affected regions. This indirectly impacts scrap demand and availability, depending on the severity and duration of disruptions.
Bottom line: The ferrous scrap market is currently being shaped more by cost inflation and logistical disruption than by strong demand, resulting in relatively stable but fragile pricing conditions.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices showed little movement over the past week, indicating a calm and balanced market. #1 HMS stayed at last week’s levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling similarly remained flat throughout the period.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 HMS remained unchanged as of Thursday, March 19, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 also recorded no week-on-week movement, while #1 Busheling held firm throughout the period.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held firm on the Scrap Monster Price Index, showing no change over the week. Shredded Auto Scrap also finished the week at its opening level, while HMS 80/20 remained steady. Similarly, #1 Busheling saw no week-on-week variation for the period ending March 19, 2026.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
As of Thursday, March 12, 2026, #1 HMS prices remained stable on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Shredded Auto Scrap closed the week unchanged from the previous period, while HMS 80/20 also showed no variation. Similarly, #1 Busheling prices held steady in line with the prior week’s levels.
International Comparison
China Flat
China Steel Scrap Prices
- All the steel scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- #1 HMS and Cast Iron Scrap prices remained flat upon comparison with the previous week's prices.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Stainless steel scrap prices remained unchanged over the past week on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with 304 SS Solid scrap holding flat on a week-on-week basis.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no fluctuation as of Thursday, March 19, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered no variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity remained flat during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded flat trend, remaining unchanged during the week ended Thursday, March 19, 2026.
International Comparison
China ↓3.39%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All of the stainless steel scrap categories recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: 304 SS Turning ↓4.11%, 201 SS ↓4.10%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Steel Mill Production- U.S. Weekly Steel Output Jumps 4.2% Year-on-Year: AISI / China's January-February steel output slides as falling margins, exports drag
- Environmental Regulations- Environmental group intends to sue U.S. Steel over oily releases into Mon River
- Industry Layoffs- Some of Algoma Steel's 1,000 planned layoffs will be postponed
- Steel Import/Export- AISI Reports 5.2% Rise in U.S. Steel Import Permits
- Tariffs/Quotas- UK to raise steel tariffs to 50 percent in new sector strategy this week / Colombia Raises Steel Tariffs 35% to Shield Local Industry
- Global Recognition- U.S. Steel Named Among World's Most Ethical Companies for Fifth Consecutive Year
- Steel Mill Earnings- Steel Dynamics Projects Q1 Growth on Rising Steel Margins
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“Ferrous scrap markets remained largely range-bound over the past week, as tight supply conditions provided underlying price support, while cautious mill procurement and muted finished steel demand limited upside potential. Most buyers continued to operate on a hand-to-mouth basis, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in downstream markets,” said Rohit Malhotra, Senior Ferrous Scrap Market Analyst at Global Metals Insights.
Market Outlook
- Range-Bound Pricing with Mild Volatility
Prices are expected to remain largely stable in the near term, moving within a narrow band. Any fluctuations will likely be driven by short-term changes in mill buying activity rather than structural demand shifts. - Cautious Steel Mill Procurement
Mills are likely to continue a “hand-to-mouth” purchasing strategy, avoiding large inventory build-ups. This will limit upward price momentum while preventing sharp declines. - Pressure from Weak Finished Steel Demand
Sluggish construction and manufacturing activity may cap steel output growth, thereby restraining scrap consumption and keeping prices under pressure. - Cost Support from Energy and Logistics
Elevated energy and freight costs—partly driven by geopolitical tensions—will provide a floor to scrap prices, preventing steep corrections despite weak demand. - Tightness in Scrap Supply Flows
Collection volumes may remain constrained due to seasonal factors and controlled inflows, supporting market balance and limiting downside risks. - Potential Upside from Export Market Shifts
Any recovery or disruption in key export destinations could tighten domestic availability and push prices higher, especially if global trade flows realign quickly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the overall trend in scrap metal prices last week?
The market showed a mixed-to-weak trend, with most non-ferrous scrap categories declining modestly while ferrous segments remained stable.
- Which segment showed the most stability?
Ferrous scrap, including steel and stainless steel, recorded little to no price movement, indicating balanced supply and demand.
- What drove the decline in non-ferrous scrap prices?
Soft end-use demand, localized oversupply, and cautious buying sentiment contributed to the downward pressure.
- What is the current market sentiment?
Sentiment remains cautious, with market participants adopting a wait-and-watch approach amid limited volatility.
- How can I track scrap metal prices in real time?
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.
