Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- May 15-20, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-05-22 08:27:35
Copper scrap markets reported a modest jump in prices over the previous week, while a few categories witnessed no variation on the Index.
By MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report analyzes week-over-week price trends across major North American scrap metal categories, drawing on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index for May 15–20, 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copper scrap prices posted modest gains, trailing last week’s sharp rally.
- Aluminum scrap prices posted no variation, reflecting a more or less balanced market.
- Brass scrap market recorded modest week-on-week increases.
- Stainless steel scrap prices recorded a decline during the week.
- Steel scrap prices held flat, signaling steady market fundamentals and balanced trading conditions.
Copper scrap markets reported a modest jump in prices over the previous week, while a few categories witnessed no variation on the Index. The category to see the biggest jump in price was Heater Cores, whose prices surged by $0.02 per Lb (↑0.77%) week-on-week.
Aluminum scrap prices registered no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index. All listed grades held steady when compared with the previous week. E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast, and UBC prices remained flat on the Index.
Brass and bronze scrap prices recorded modest increases on the Index, extending the upward trend witnessed during the prior week. In the meantime, lead scrap markets remained stable, with no price variations reported across key regional markets.
Zinc scrap prices showed no change over the week. Additionally, global steel scrap benchmark prices held steady, underscoring balanced supply-demand fundamentals across the market.
In the meantime, stainless steel scrap prices registered a slight decline on the Index during the week 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.
NON-FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Industrial Manufacturing Demand
Non-ferrous scrap demand remains closely tied to activity across manufacturing, construction, and electrical equipment sectors. Steady industrial production supports consistent scrap consumption, particularly for copper and aluminum grades. Any slowdown in factory output could weigh on buying interest in the medium term.Benchmark Exchange Price Movements
Price trends on the London Metal Exchange continue to set the tone for physical scrap valuations. Even modest gains in refined metal prices often improve processor sentiment and seller confidence. Sustained volatility, however, can trigger cautious procurement behavior.Secondary Smelter Buying Activity
Smelters and refiners remain disciplined in feedstock procurement, purchasing based on immediate processing needs rather than speculative stocking. This balanced buying pattern is helping stabilize prices. Stronger restocking cycles could provide upward momentum in coming months.Scrap Generation and Collection Flows
Industrial scrap generation remains broadly stable, supported by ongoing production activity across major end-use sectors. Collection flows from fabrication and manufacturing operations are sufficient to meet current demand. Supply tightness may emerge if industrial output slows unexpectedly.Export Demand and International Trade Flows
Asian buying activity continues to influence regional scrap pricing trends, particularly for copper and aluminum scrap exports. Changes in freight costs, trade regulations, or import restrictions could quickly alter export competitiveness. Cross-border arbitrage remains a critical pricing factor.Energy and Processing Cost Pressures
Electricity, fuel, and labor costs remain important variables for recyclers and processors. Elevated processing expenses can tighten margins and reduce throughput flexibility. Sustained cost inflation may eventually push higher offer prices across several scrap categories.
The non-ferrous scrap market is expected to remain broadly stable to mildly firm in the near to medium term, supported by balanced supply conditions and steady industrial demand. Copper and brass scrap may retain modest upside support, while aluminum, lead, and stainless scrap are likely to trade within narrow ranges amid cautious procurement and measured buying activity.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.3305 per pound as of May 20, 2026, slightly higher by around 4¢ (↑0.56%) over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $13,515.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices edged higher slightly over the past week, as market sentiments stayed broadly firm, but softened sharply from the price week. #1 Copper Bare Bright advanced by ↑0.48%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing posted a ↑0.49% increase. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also registered gains, rising ↑0.50% on the Index.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.03 | +0.48% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.03 | +0.49% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.03 | +0.50% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
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 climbed by $0.03 per pound as of Wednesday, May 20, 2026, reflecting a ↑0.48% weekly increase. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also gained $0.03 per pound, rising ↑0.49% from the prior week, while #2 Copper Wire and Tubing advanced by the same amount, posting a ↑0.50% week-on-week gain by the close of the period.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
As of Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.03 per pound, marking a ↑0.50% weekly gain. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also advanced by $0.03 per pound, registering a ↑0.51% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing continued its upward momentum, posting a ↑0.52% week-on-week rise by the close of the week.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index went higher by $0.03 per pound as of Wednesday, May 20, 2026, reflecting a weekly increase of ↑0.48%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched higher by $0.03 per pound, registering an upmove by ↑0.48% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices were up by ↑0.49% by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- Most of the leading copper scrap categories posted small declines on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The top losers during the week were #2 Copper Wire and Tubing ↓0.81%, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing ↓0.80%, and #1 Insulated Copper Wire 85% Recovery ↓0.79%
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded a week-over-week dip on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The commodity to report the biggest fall in prices was Copper sheet cutting, whose prices were down by INR 3,000 per Ton(↓0.33%).
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures closed at USD 3,631.35 per metric ton as of May 20, 2026, modestly higher when compared with the previous week's closing price of USD 3,564.00 per metric ton.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,637.00 per tonne, according to the London Metal Exchange.
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week with no fluctuation in prices. Additionally, Old Cast and UBC prices held steady over the weekly period.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.00 | Nil | |
0.00 | Nil | |
0.00 | Nil | |
0.00 | Nil |
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 no variation as of Wednesday, May 20, 2026. 6063 Extrusions maintained previous week's price. Old Cast prices were unchanged from the previous week's closing price. Also, UBC prices held steady on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices showed no changes over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices were flat on the Index, while 6063 Extrusions held steady over the week. Old Cast and UBC prices also reported no week-on-week variation in prices.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no change as of Wednesday, May 20, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were unchanged upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast and UBC held steady from the prior week's price.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded modest increase from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet posted the biggest jumps, rising by CNY 150 per MT (↑0.69%) each.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories edged higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The category to witness the biggest jump was Aluminum utensil scrap, whose prices were up by INR 6,000 per Ton (↑1.62%)
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 ↑0.29% during the course of the week. Red Brass closed on a higher note, rising by ↑0.28% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +0.28% | |
0.01 | +0.29% |
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
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, Red Brass prices rose by ↑0.28% as of Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted gains, increasing by ↑0.29% on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ended May 20, 2026, Red Brass prices had risen by ↑0.28% compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week increase, edging up by ↑0.30%.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices rose by $0.01 per pound, marking a ↑0.27% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, Yellow Brass prices also moved higher, gaining ↑0.28% on the Scrap Monster Price Index by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded a slight decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Red Brass and Yellow Brass prices dropped by CNY 50 per MT each.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week dip on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Brass Cuttings, which was down by INR 1,000 per Ton (↓0.23%)
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a marginal decline of USD 0.57 per Ton (↓0.03%) over the prior week to close at USD 1,983.23 per Ton as of May 20, 2026.
- The closing price of LME Lead 3-month contract was $2,004.50 per metric tonne, as per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices traded flat over the week, indicating stable supply-demand fundamentals. Scrap auto battery prices also held steady, closing the week at unchanged levels.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the close of the week ending May 20, 2026, scrap auto battery prices held steady, remaining unchanged from the previous week.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted a marginal week-on-week decline of CNY 50 per MT each on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- In the meantime, Auto Battery prices recorded no variation from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- The prices of all lead scrap categories in the region held steady over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Zinc Futures closed at USD 3,561.85 per metric ton as of May 20, 2026, recording a modest increase of USD 33.10 per metric ton (↑0.94%).
- LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,522.50 per tonne
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices were flat over the past week, with all categories maintaining the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices held steady. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted no variation during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil | |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The price of New Zinc Die Cast on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no variation as of Wednesday, May 20, 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 May 20, 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 Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were unchanged week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a dip of CNY 100 per MT on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price were down marginally by ↓0.59% from the previous week's price during the week ended May 20, 2026.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a modest jump of INR 6,000 per Ton (↑1.65%)over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Stable Mill Procurement Activity
Steel mills maintained disciplined buying patterns last week, purchasing primarily to meet immediate production needs. This cautious approach limited aggressive price movement and kept the market balanced.Balanced Scrap Supply Flows
Scrap inflows from industrial generation and dealer collections remained broadly steady. Adequate supply availability prevented tightness across key benchmark grades.Flat Finished Steel Demand
Muted downstream steel demand from construction and manufacturing sectors kept mill melt schedules relatively unchanged. This reduced urgency for higher scrap procurement volumes.Limited Export Market Momentum
Export buying activity remained measured, with no major shifts in international demand to significantly influence domestic ferrous scrap benchmarks.Sideways Benchmark Price Movement
Key ferrous grades such as #1 HMS, HMS 80/20, and shredded scrap traded flat, reflecting an absence of strong bullish or bearish triggers.Controlled Yard Inventory Levels
Processors and traders continued careful inventory management, avoiding excessive stock accumulation while ensuring sufficient material availability for regular transactions.
Participants largely adopted a wait-and-watch stance amid limited near-term catalysts for directional price shifts.
The ferrous scrap market is expected to remain largely range-bound in the near to medium term, supported by balanced supply flows and disciplined mill procurement. Unless finished steel demand strengthens materially or export activity improves, prices are likely to trade sideways with only limited directional movement.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of May 21, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $400.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $590.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $390.20 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices remained flat week-on-week, signaling stable market fundamentals and balanced supply-demand dynamics. #1 HMS held firm at prior-week levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also traded sideways with no notable price movement.
According to American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.898 million NT during the week ended May 16, 2026. This is ↑1.0% week-on-week and ↑10.3% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 82.2% (compared to 81.4% in the week ending May 9, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-133,000 NT, Great Lakes-533,000 NT, Midwest-313,000 NT, Southern-853,000 NT, Western-66,000 NT
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
Steel scrap prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady week-on-week, reflecting balanced market fundamentals as of Wednesday, May 20, 2026. #1 HMS remained unchanged from the previous week, while Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 recorded no price movement. #1 Busheling also traded flat, underscoring stable conditions across key benchmark grades.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
As of Wednesday, May 20, 2026, #1 HMS prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index remained unchanged from the previous week. Similarly, Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 recorded no price movement, while #1 Busheling continued to trade at levels consistent with the prior week.
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 a decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices were down by $0.01 per Lb (↓1.43%) towards the end of the week.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | -1.43% |
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 a decline of ↓1.43% as of Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices witnessed a dip of $0.01 per Lb on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity recorded a week-over-week decline of ↓1.43% during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index dropped slightly over the previous week. The prices were down by ↓1.43% during the week ended Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
International Comparison
China ↓0.17%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- A few stainless steel scrap categories recorded a decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: 310 SS ↓0.55%, 316 SS Solid ↓0.32%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- U.S. Steel Mill Production- AISI Reports 10.3% Rise in U.S. Steel Output
- Mill Development - Pakistan Moves to Revive Saudi-Backed Tuwairqi Steel Mills Project
- Steel Pact- UK minister 'confident' of steel pact with EU ahead of impending July tariffs
- Site Accident- 3 treated after chemical burns at Liberty Steel, fire department says
- Stake Sale- ArcelorMittal Announces Vallourec Stake Sale for $667 Million
- Steel Prices- Brazil Outpaces Global Markets in Global Steel Price Rally / Steel Price Surge: Not India or China, This Nation Steals the Show
- Tariffs- EU lawmakers back near halving of duty-free steel imports and raised tariffs
- Scrap metal - BIR Gothenburg 2026 Highlights Global Recycling Trade Challenges / BIR: Turkish Steel Buying Sparks Global Ferrous Scrap Rally
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“Overall, the ferrous market is relatively balanced. U.S. demand is strong, export demand is firm and steady, and scrap flows are reasonably even week to week.”
— Ethan Bernard, Reporter, Steel Market Update, quoting market sources in weekly ferrous market coverage (May 14, 2026).
Market Outlook
Range-Bound Price Movement Likely
Ferrous scrap prices are expected to remain largely stable in the near to medium term as the market lacks strong bullish or bearish catalysts. Balanced supply-demand conditions are keeping benchmark grades within narrow trading ranges. Unless major shifts emerge in steel production or export demand, sideways pricing is likely to persist.Disciplined Steel Mill Buying to Continue
Steelmakers are likely to maintain cautious procurement strategies, purchasing primarily to meet immediate melt requirements. Mills remain focused on controlling raw material costs amid uncertain downstream steel demand. This disciplined buying pattern should limit sharp upward price swings.Export Demand Will Remain a Key Swing Factor
International buying interest, particularly from major import markets, will continue influencing domestic benchmark direction. Any improvement in export competitiveness could support higher pricing momentum. Conversely, weak offshore demand may reinforce flat market conditions.- Finished Steel Demand Recovery Remains Critical
A stronger rebound in construction and manufacturing steel demand would encourage mills to increase production schedules. This would translate into firmer scrap procurement volumes and stronger pricing support. Current demand conditions, however, suggest only gradual improvement. - Inventory Discipline Across the Supply Chain
Processors and traders are expected to maintain conservative inventory positions in the near term. This limits oversupply risks while ensuring sufficient material availability for routine transactions. Such balanced stock management supports overall market stability. - Broader Economic Indicators Will Shape Medium-Term Direction
Macroeconomic trends such as industrial output growth, infrastructure spending, and manufacturing confidence will heavily influence scrap demand. Positive economic momentum could gradually strengthen ferrous pricing sentiment. Persistent economic caution, however, would likely keep the market subdued.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S
- S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index-March, Consumer Confidence-May (Tue)
- Initial Jobless Claims, Durable Goods Orders-April, New Home Sales-April (Thu)
- GDP Second Revision (Q1), Personal Income & Spending-April, PCE Deflator-April (Fri)
Europe & UK
- ECB Financial Stability Review (Wed)
- Germany’s GfK Consumer Confidence-June, France Business Survey (Thu)
- Germany CPI-May, UK Consumer Credit & Mortgage Approvals (Fri)
Asia & Oceania
- Australia’s RBA Bulletin (Tue)
- Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Rate Decision (Wed)
- Japan’s Tokyo Core CPI-May, Australia's Private Capital Expenditure-Q1 (Thu)
Daily Reports | Scrap Monster Price Index | US Scrap Metal Prices
Register now for free daily alerts → Sign Up
Related Resources
Copper Scrap Prices | Aluminum Scrap Prices | Steel Scrap Prices | Brass Scrap Prices | Scrap Yard Directory | Company Directory | Daily Market Report
Full pricing details, yard finder, market analysis, and live price charts available at ScrapMonster.com. Trusted by 100,000+ recycling professionals. Sign up for daily alerts—your competitive edge starts here.
Subscribe to Scrap Monster Live Scrap Prices
POLL
Which scrap segment is most likely to outperform next week?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which scrap category posted the strongest gains during the week?
Copper scrap led weekly gains, with Heater Cores recording the largest jump of 0.77%.
- What caused stainless steel scrap prices to weaken?
Softer stainless benchmark sentiment and cautious processor demand weighed on prices.
- What supports the non-ferrous scrap outlook?
Stable industrial demand, disciplined smelter buying, and balanced collection flows are supporting mild firmness.
- What is the near-term outlook for ferrous scrap?
Ferrous scrap is expected to remain range-bound unless export demand or finished steel consumption strengthens materially.
- 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.
