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Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-05-08 04:40:33
A gradual recovery in manufacturing and industrial activity across major economies is expected to support non-ferrous metal demand in the near to medium term.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report presents a week-over-week analysis of price movements across major scrap metal categories in North America, based on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index for May 1–7, 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Copper scrap markets maintained a firm week-on-week trend, with the majority of grades posting price gains on the Index. Cu/Al Radiator Ends was the only category to remain unchanged during the period. The sharpest increases were recorded in Sealed Units, Starters, Alternators, and Scrap Electric Motors, with Sealed Units and Starters leading the gains after rising by ↑4.40% week-on-week.
Aluminum scrap prices posted a modest week-on-week decline of around ↓0.90% on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with the majority of listed grades trending lower. Most aluminum scrap categories recorded price declines during the week. However, Al/Cu Radiators and Al/Cu Radiators/Fe posted modest gains on the Index, while a few other grades remained unchanged from the previous week.
Brass and bronze scrap prices recorded modest increases on the Index, reversing the downward trend recorded during the prior week. In the meantime, lead scrap markets remained stable, with no price variations reported across key regional markets.
Zinc scrap prices also held steady throughout the week. Additionally, global steel scrap benchmark prices remained stable, reflecting balanced supply and demand conditions in the market.
At the same time, stainless steel scrap prices trended downward, signaling mild bearish sentiment within the segment.
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
Global Economic Recovery and Industrial Demand
A gradual recovery in manufacturing and industrial activity across major economies is expected to support non-ferrous metal demand in the near to medium term. Sectors such as construction, automotive, electronics, and infrastructure development are likely to sustain consumption of copper, aluminum, zinc, and nickel.
Energy Transition and Electrification Trends
The accelerating shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and grid modernization continues to drive structural demand for key non-ferrous metals, particularly copper, aluminum, lithium, and nickel. This trend is expected to remain a major long-term bullish factor for the market.
Chinese Industrial Activity and Stimulus Measures
China remains the largest consumer of non-ferrous metals globally. Any expansion in infrastructure spending, property-sector support, or industrial stimulus measures by the Chinese government could significantly influence metal prices and trade flows in the coming quarters.
Volatility in Raw Material and Energy Costs
Energy prices and mining input costs continue to affect smelting and refining margins. Elevated electricity costs, especially in aluminum production, may constrain output and tighten supply in certain regions, supporting prices despite uneven demand conditions.
Scrap Supply Availability and Recycling Trends
Improved recycling rates and scrap collection efficiency are increasingly shaping the non-ferrous market. However, tight scrap availability in some regions, coupled with export restrictions and quality concerns, may keep secondary metal prices firm.
Trade Policies, Tariffs, and Geopolitical Risks
Ongoing geopolitical tensions, sanctions, and evolving trade policies could disrupt supply chains and alter global metal flows. Export controls, import tariffs, and regional trade barriers may create localized shortages and price volatility across non-ferrous markets.
In short, The non-ferrous metals market is expected to remain influenced by global industrial recovery, energy transition demand, and China’s economic activity in the near to medium term. Supply-side factors such as energy costs, scrap availability, and geopolitical disruptions may continue to support price volatility, while inventory trends, interest rates, and currency movements will play a key role in shaping overall market sentiment.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices trended higher over the past week amid improved market sentiment. #1 Copper Bare Bright rose by ↑3.41%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing increased by ↑3.47%. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also recorded gains, edging up by ↑3.52% on the Index.
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 | 0.20 | +3.41% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.20 | +3.47% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.20 | +3.53% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright rose by $0.20 per pound as of Thursday, May 7, 2026, marking a weekly gain of ↑3.41%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also increased by $0.20 per pound, up ↑3.47% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing advanced by $0.20 per pound, registering a ↑3.53% rise by week’s end.
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index inched up by $0.20 per pound as of Thursday, May 7, 2026, a weekly jump of ↑3.53%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing edged higher by $0.20 per pound, registering an increase by ↑3.59% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had edged higher by ↑3.66%.
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index went higher by $0.20 per pound as of Thursday, May 7, 2026, reflecting a weekly increase of ↑3.36%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched higher by $0.20 per pound, registering an upmove by ↑3.41% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices were up by ↑3.47% by week’s end.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a modest decline in prices, falling by $0.01 per Lb (↑↓0.62%) to finish lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week on a weak note, dropping $0.01 per Lb week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a dip of $0.01 per Lb (↓0.99%). UBC prices followed the weak market trend, recording a decline of $0.01 per Lb over 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 |
0.01 | -0.62% | |
0.01 | -0.87% | |
0.01 | -0.99% | |
0.01 | -0.98% |
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 decline of $0.01 per Lb (↓0.62%) as of Thursday, May 7, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged lower by $0.01 per Lb compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices decreased from the previous week's closing price, falling by $0.01 per Lb (↓0.99%) during the week, while UBC prices also fell by $0.01 per Lb on a week-on-week basis.
Aluminum scrap prices posted declines over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices dropped by $0.01 per pound, while 6063 Extrusions edged lower by $0.01 per Lb (↓0.87%). Old Cast prices saw a dip of $0.01 per Lb week-on-week, and UBC prices decreased by $0.01 per Lb during the same period.
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a fall of $0.01 per Lb as of Thursday, May 7, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were down by $0.01 per Lb, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast dropped by $0.01 per Lb (↓0.98%). Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week decline by $0.01 per Lb.
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 ↑1.49% during the course of the week . Red Brass closed on a higher note, rising by ↑1.43% during the week.
Charts


The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.05 | +1.43% | |
0.05 | +1.49% |
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 ↑1.43% as of Thursday, May 7, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted gains, increasing by ↑1.49% on the Index.
By the end of the week ended May 7, 2026, Red Brass prices had risen by ↑1.45% compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week increase, edging up by ↑1.53%.
Red Brass prices rose by $0.05 per pound, marking a ↑1.38% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, Yellow Brass prices also moved higher, gaining ↑1.46% on the Scrap Monster Price Index by week’s end.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices remained stable over the week, indicating a well-balanced market with minimal shifts in supply and demand. Scrap auto battery prices also showed no movement, 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, May 7, 2026.
By the end of the week ending May 7, 2026, Scrap Auto Batteries prices remained unchanged from the previous week.
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, May 7, 2026.
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
The price of New Zinc Die Cast on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no variation as of Thursday, May 7, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were flat over the previous week.
By the conclusion of the week ended May 7, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded no change from the previous week’s price levels.
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed no week-over-week variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, May 7, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were unchanged week-over-week.
Market Drivers
Global Steel Production Trends
Ferrous scrap demand is closely linked to global steel output, particularly from electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers. Any increase in steel production across major regions such as Asia, North America, and Europe typically strengthens scrap consumption and pricing.
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Expansion
The ongoing global shift toward EAF steelmaking is structurally increasing ferrous scrap demand. EAF production is viewed as more environmentally sustainable compared to traditional blast furnace methods, supporting long-term scrap consumption growth.
Energy Prices and Steel Mill Operating Costs
Electricity, natural gas, and fuel costs have a direct impact on steel mill operations and scrap processing activities. Rising energy prices can reduce mill margins and production rates, while lower energy costs may encourage higher scrap consumption.
Environmental Regulations and Decarbonization Policies
Stricter environmental standards and carbon reduction targets are encouraging steelmakers to increase scrap usage as part of low-emission steel production strategies. Government policies promoting green steel production are expected to support long-term ferrous scrap demand.
Seasonal Weather Conditions
Extreme weather events and seasonal disruptions can affect scrap collection, transportation, and construction activity. Harsh winters, flooding, or hurricanes may temporarily tighten scrap supply and disrupt deliveries to steel mills.
Inventory Levels at Steel Mills and Scrap Yards
The buying behavior of steel mills often depends on existing inventory levels. Low scrap inventories at mills or processing yards can trigger aggressive purchasing activity and price increases, while elevated stock levels may weaken near-term demand.
Bottom-Line
The ferrous scrap market is expected to remain broadly stable in the near to medium term, supported by steady steel production, infrastructure demand, and increasing adoption of EAF steelmaking. However, prices may continue to experience periodic volatility due to fluctuations in energy costs, raw material competitiveness, trade policies, and global economic conditions.
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of May 7, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $420.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $605.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $390.10 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices showed little week-on-week movement, indicating a stable and balanced market backdrop. #1 HMS remained at previous week levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also experienced no price changes during the period.
According to American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.856 million NT during the week ended May 2, 2026. This is ↑1,4% week-on-week and ↑9.6% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 80.4% (compared to 79.3% in the week ending April 25, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-134,000 NT, Great Lakes-511,000 NT, Midwest-311,000 NT, Southern-838,000 NT, Western-62,000 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
As of Thursday, May 7, 2026, #1 HMS prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index remained in line with the previous week. Similarly, Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 recorded no week-on-week changes, while #1 Busheling prices stayed stable throughout the period.
As of Thursday, May 7, 2026, #1 HMS prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Shredded Auto Scrap also remained unchanged from the previous period, while HMS 80/20 showed no movement. Likewise, #1 Busheling prices stayed in line with prior week levels.
China Flat
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices declined on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices recorded a dip of ↓1.41% on a week-on-week basis.
Charts

The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
304 SS Solid | 0.01 | -1.41% |
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 dip of 1.41% as of Thursday, May 7, 2026.
304 SS Solid prices registered a modest decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity edged lower by 1.41% during the week.
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a downward movement, dropping by $0.01 per Lb during the week ended Thursday, May 7, 2026.
China ↓0.81%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
“While domestic steel production has remained relatively stable, export scrap demand continues to face pressure from softer overseas buying interest and freight-related uncertainties,” said Philip K. Bell, president of the Steel Manufacturers Association, commenting on recent ferrous market conditions.
Market Outlook
Steady Global Steel Demand
The ferrous market is expected to remain supported by stable steel demand from construction, infrastructure, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. Government-backed infrastructure projects in major economies are likely to sustain steel consumption over the medium term.
Growth in Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking
The continued expansion of EAF-based steel production is expected to increase long-term ferrous scrap consumption. Steelmakers are increasingly shifting toward scrap-intensive production methods to reduce carbon emissions and improve operational flexibility.
China’s Steel Production and Export Policies
China’s steel output trends, export volumes, and policy measures will remain a key global market driver. Any production curbs, stimulus measures, or export restrictions from China could significantly influence international steel and scrap prices.
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Copper scrap recorded the strongest performance, with major grades such as #1 Copper Bare Bright and #1 Copper Wire & Tubing posting gains of over 3%.
Aluminum scrap prices showed mixed movement, though most grades recorded modest declines of around 0.9% week-on-week.
Steady steel production, infrastructure investments, and growing adoption of electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking are expected to support long-term ferrous scrap demand.
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.