Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- March 20-26, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-03-27 07:52:18
Copper scrap markets posted a generally firm week-over-week performance, as most grades registered price increases.
By MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report provides a week-on-week analysis of price movements across key scrap metal segments in North America, drawing on figures from the Scrap Monster Price Index for the period of March 20–26, 2026.
Copper scrap markets posted a generally firm week-over-week performance, as most grades registered price increases. Still, a small number of categories remained unchanged on the Index. The biggest advances were recorded by Xmas Lights, Sealed Units and Starters. Among them, Xmas Lights delivered the most notable gain, with the price of the commodity climbing by 3.45% compared with the previous week.
Aluminum scrap values also moved upward across the Scrap Monster Price Index. Almost all listed grades recorded an improvement from the prior week, with Aluminum Radiators emerging as the top performer after registering a 2.86% increase. However a few categories held steady over the prior week.
Prices for brass and bronze scrap rebounded modestly on the Index, reversing the downtrend observed during the preceding week. Meanwhile, lead scrap markets showed stability, with no notable price fluctuations reported across key global trading hubs.
Zinc scrap prices also held steady throughout the week. In addition, global steel scrap benchmark prices recorded no movement, reflecting balanced supply-demand dynamics.
In the meantime, Stainless steel scrap prices edged higher on the Index during the week under review.
To summarize, Copper scrap prices recorded a firm week-over-week trend, with most categories rising while a few remained unchanged.
Aluminum scrap values also moved higher overall, though some segments held steady. Brass and bronze rebounded slightly, while lead, zinc, and steel scrap markets showed stability. Stainless steel scrap prices edged up on the Index.
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
Construction & Infrastructure Demand (Copper, Brass, Aluminum scrap)
Strong building activity boosts demand for copper pipes, brass fittings, and aluminum sections recovered from demolition and renovation.Automotive Sector Trends (Aluminum, Lead, Zinc scrap)
End-of-life vehicles generate aluminum castings, lead-acid batteries, and zinc die-cast scrap, while EV growth is increasing aluminum-intensive scrap flows.Electrical & Electronics Recycling (High-grade Copper, Aluminum scrap)
Scrap from cables, motors, and electronic components drives demand for high-conductivity copper and clean aluminum fractions.Industrial Manufacturing Activity (Brass, Bronze, Stainless steel scrap)
Machining and fabrication sectors produce brass turnings, bronze scrap, and stainless offcuts, linking supply closely to factory output.Scrap Collection & Demolition Activity (Mixed non-ferrous grades)
Demolition projects generate mixed streams such as insulated copper wire, aluminum siding, and mixed alloy scrap, affecting overall availability.Trade Flows & Export Demand (All major non-ferrous categories)
International demand—especially from large consuming regions—drives exports of copper, aluminum, and brass scrap, often tightening domestic supply and lifting prices.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices moved higher over the past week on improved market sentiment, with #1 Copper Bare Bright prices moving higher by ↑2.10%. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing climbed on the Index, up by ↑2.14%, while #2 Copper Wire and Tubing inched up by ↑2.18%.
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 | 0.11 | +2.10% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.11 | +2.14% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.11 | +2.18% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.11 per pound as of Thursday, March 26, 2026, a weekly jump of ↑2.10%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing went higher by $0.11 per pound, registering an increase by ↑2.14% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had recorded a rise by ↑2.18% , moving higher by $0.11 per pound on the Index.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index inched up by $0.11 per pound as of Thursday, March 26, 2026, a weekly jump of ↑2.18%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing edged higher by $0.11 per pound, registering an increase by ↑2.22% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had edged higher by ↑2.27%.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.11 per pound as of Thursday, March 26, 2026, a weekly increase of ↑2.04%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched higher by $0.11 per pound, registering a jump by ↑2.08% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices had recorded an increase by ↑2.12% as at the end of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All of the leading copper scrap categories, except #1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery, recorded increases on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The top gainers were Heater Cores ↑1.05%, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing ↑0.62%, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing ↑0.62%
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The commodity to report the biggest surge in prices was Copper sheet cutting, whose prices were up by ↑0.29%
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a notable uptick in prices, climbing by ↑2.05% to finish higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week in positive territory, rising ↑1.89% week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a moderate gain of ↑1.06%. UBC prices followed the upward trend, recording a ↑1.05% increase over the same period.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.03 | +2.05% | |
0.02 | +1.89% | |
0.01 | +1.06% | |
0.01 | +1.05% |
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 jump of ↑2.05% as of Thursday, March 26, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by ↑1.89% compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices increased from the previous week's closing price of $0.94, edging higher by ↑1.06% during the week, while UBC prices also increased by ↑1.05% on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices showed gains over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire rose by $0.03 per pound, while 6063 Extrusions climbed ↑1.92%. Old Cast advanced ↑1.10% week-on-week, and UBC prices increased by ↑1.08% during the same period.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded an increase of ↑2.05% as of Thursday, March 26, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were up by ↑1.89%, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast increased by $0.01 per Lb. Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week jump by ↑1.04%.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded decline from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet posted the biggest dips, falling by ↓1.40% each. 6063 Extrusions edged lower by ↓1.19%, while, prices of 6063 Extrusions were down modestly by ↓1.38% on the Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum utensil scrap prices recorded no variation, maintaining the previous week's price of INR 325,000 per Ton.
- The price of Aluminum ingot scrap also were flat during the week ended March 26, 2026.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a jump in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices increased by ↑0.95% during the course of the week . Red Brass closed on a higher note, rising by ↑0.90% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.03 | +0.90% | |
0.03 | +0.95% |
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 an increase of ↑0.90% as of Thursday, March 26, 2026. Yellow Brass prices also jumped higher by ↑0.95% on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended March 26, 2026, the price of Red Brass had recorded a jump of ↑0.92%, upon comparison with the beginning of the week. Additionally, Yellow Brass prices edged higher by ↑0.97% week-on-week.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass went higher by $0.03 per pound, witnessing a jump of ↑0.87% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Yellow Brass had increased by ↑0.92% on the Index.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainer: Brass Cuttings ↑0.26%
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap held steady throughout the week, reflecting a balanced market with little change in supply or demand. Scrap Auto Battery prices remained flat, ending the week unchanged.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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 26, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended March 26, 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 26, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted week-over-weekjump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- On the contrary, Auto Battery prices recorded no change from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories in the region recorded increase 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 remained unchanged over the past week, with all categories holding steady. Both New and Old Zinc Die Cast prices showed no movement during the period.
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
USA East Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The price of New Zinc Die Cast on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no variation as of Thursday, March 26, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were flat over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended March 26, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded no change from the previous week’s price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed no week-over-week variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, March 26, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were unchanged week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices edged lower by CNY 50 per MT on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price recorded a week-on-week decline of ↓0.31% during the week ended March 26, 2026.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices also recorded no change over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Inventory Levels at Steel Mills
Mills closely manage scrap inventories to avoid overexposure to price volatility. When inventories are sufficient, buying activity slows, keeping prices stable; restocking cycles can trigger short-term demand spikes.Seasonal Weather Conditions
Weather disruptions—such as winter storms or heavy rains—can restrict scrap collection and transportation. This can temporarily tighten supply, even if underlying demand remains unchanged.Energy Market Trends
Electricity and fuel costs affect steel production economics, particularly for EAF-based mills. Higher energy costs may reduce operating rates, thereby lowering scrap consumption in the near term.Port Congestion and Shipping Delays
Logistical bottlenecks at ports can delay cargo movement, affecting export shipments and domestic availability. This can create temporary regional imbalances in scrap supply.- Policy Announcements and Regulatory Signals
Even early-stage announcements related to environmental rules or trade measures can influence market sentiment. Buyers and sellers may adjust positions in anticipation, impacting short-term pricing trends. - Price Expectations and Market Sentiment
Market psychology plays a key role in the near term, as participants react to perceived trends. If buyers expect prices to remain flat or decline, they may delay purchases, reinforcing current stability.
Bottom line: Overall, near-term ferrous scrap prices are likely to remain range-bound, shaped by stable mill demand, balanced supply conditions, and cautious market sentiment.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices exhibited minimal week-over-week fluctuation, pointing to a stable and well-balanced market environment. #1 HMS held steady at prior-week levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also recorded no significant price changes over the course of the week.
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 prices remained steady with no change from the previous week as of Thursday, March 26, 2026. Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 likewise showed no week-over-week movement, while #1 Busheling maintained firm pricing throughout the period.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
As of Thursday, March 26, 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: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices reported increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices witnessed a jump of ↑1.54% on a week-on-week basis.
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
USA East Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded an increase of ↑1.52% as of Thursday, March 26, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices witnessed positive price variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity edged higher by ↑1.54% during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded an upward movement on the Index. The prices were up by ↑1.54% during the week ended Thursday, March 26, 2026.
International Comparison
China Flat
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All of the stainless steel scrap categories held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Steel Mill Production- U.S. Steel Output Maintains Uptrend with 4.6% Y-o-Y Jump / Global Steel Output Down 2.2% YoY in February 2026
- EAF Production- Tata Steel's Scrap-Based EAF Plant Boosts India's Green Steel Capacity
- New Steel Plant- ArcelorMittal Breaks Ground on New Steel Plant in India / Morgan Steel to nvest $11.7M in Memphis, create 119 new jobs
- Steel Production Costs- Steel furnaces could be exposed to surging cost of natural gas
- Scrap Import/Export Trade- EU Scrap Exports Up 6% in 2025 Despite Price Drop / Ukrainian Scrap Metal Exporters Challenge New Government Restrictions in Court
- Sector challenges- Turkish steel sector faces weak demand and high costs
- Steel Import/Export- US Steel Imports Drop in Feb 2026; Finished Share at 15%
- Tariffs/Quotas- Mexico Moves to Impose Sanctions on Chinese, Vietnamese Steel / Colombia Raises Steel Tariffs 35% to Shield Local Industry
- Steel Mill Earnings- Nucor Earnings Fall on Weak Steel Demand and Prices / Commercial Metals' Blowout Quarter Points to a Broader Turnaround in American Steel
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“Export activity remains a key swing factor, but subdued buying interest from major import markets is keeping ferrous scrap prices largely steady in the near term.” — James Lawrence, Consultant & Broker
Market Outlook
- Gradual Demand Recovery from Steel Sector
Steel demand is expected to improve modestly as construction and infrastructure activity gains traction in key regions. This will support higher scrap consumption, particularly by electric arc furnace (EAF) mills. However, the recovery is likely to be uneven across geographies, limiting sharp price rallies. - Expansion of EAF-Based Steelmaking
The structural shift toward EAF production will continue to underpin long-term scrap demand growth. As more capacity comes online, especially in emerging markets, reliance on ferrous scrap will increase. This trend provides a steady demand floor for scrap markets. - Scrap Supply Constraints and Collection Efficiency
Aging infrastructure and slower demolition cycles in some regions may restrict obsolete scrap flows. At the same time, improvements in recycling systems could gradually enhance supply. The balance between these factors will influence market tightness. - Decarbonization and Sustainability Push
Increasing emphasis on low-carbon steelmaking will favor scrap usage over primary raw materials. Regulatory pressures and ESG commitments are expected to boost scrap demand in the medium term. This structural driver supports a bullish bias for scrap markets. - Macroeconomic Uncertainty and Interest Rates
Inflation trends and monetary policies will impact industrial activity and steel consumption. Higher interest rates may dampen construction and manufacturing, slowing scrap demand growth. Economic stabilization would be necessary for sustained upward momentum. - Price Volatility with Narrower Bands
While short-term fluctuations will persist, overall price movements may remain within a relatively narrower range compared to past cycles. Balanced fundamentals and improved market transparency are expected to reduce extreme swings. Nonetheless, external shocks could still trigger temporary volatility.
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POLL
What is the most likely direction of the scrap metal market in the near-to-medium term?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which scrap segment performed the strongest during the week?
Copper scrap led the market, with multiple categories posting gains, particularly Xmas Lights, which rose by 3.45%.
- Were there any segments showing price stability?
Yes, steel, lead, and zinc scrap markets showed little to no movement, indicating a balanced market environment.
- What was the trend in stainless steel scrap?
Stainless steel scrap prices edged higher, supported by gradual improvement in demand.
- 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.
