Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- May 22-28, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-05-29 07:37:23
Aluminum scrap prices registered a modest week-on-week uptick on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with most listed grades moving higher.
By MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report examines week-on-week pricing movements across key North American scrap metal segments, based on figures published in the Scrap Monster Price Index for the period May 22–28, 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copper scrap prices recorded moderate increases, continuing the upward trend seen in the previous week.
- Aluminum scrap prices registered broad-based increases, supported by firm short-term demand conditions.
- Brass scrap market recorded modest week-on-week increases.
- Stainless steel scrap prices held steady during the period.
- 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. Most categories posted modest gains, while a few remained unchanged on the Index. Sealed Units and Starters posted the sharpest weekly gains, with both categories rising by $0.01 per pound, marking a ↑2.08% increase on the Index compared with the prior week.
Aluminum scrap prices registered a modest week-on-week uptick on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with most listed grades moving higher. All scrap varieties, except Al/Cu Radiators and Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, recorded price increases 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 remained flat compared with the previous week. Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices remained unchanged, highlighting balanced market fundamentals between supply and demand.
Similarly, stainless steel scrap prices registered no movement 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
Tight Scrap Availability
Collection volumes for copper and aluminum scrap remain constrained in several regions due to slower industrial dismantling activity and cautious selling by yards. Limited feedstock availability is supporting higher benchmark prices across major non-ferrous grades.Strong Electrification-Driven Copper Demand
Expanding investments in EVs, renewable energy infrastructure, grid modernization and AI-related data centers continue to lift copper consumption globally. This structural demand trend is expected to keep copper scrap markets firm over the medium term.Elevated Aluminum Demand from Automotive and Construction Sectors
Recycled aluminum consumption remains robust due to growing use in lightweight vehicles, packaging and infrastructure applications. Secondary smelters continue to compete aggressively for scrap feedstock.Volatility in LME and COMEX Metal Prices
Sharp fluctuations in exchange-traded copper, aluminum and zinc prices continue to influence scrap purchasing behavior, inventory strategies and export activity. Traders and recyclers remain cautious amid rapidly changing futures markets.Rising Energy and Processing Costs
High electricity, transportation and refining costs are increasing operational expenses for recyclers and secondary smelters. These cost pressures are feeding into higher processed scrap prices, particularly in energy-intensive aluminum recycling.Global Economic and Manufacturing Activity
Industrial output trends in China, India, Southeast Asia and North America remain critical for non-ferrous scrap demand. Manufacturing recovery, infrastructure spending and export-oriented production are currently providing underlying support to scrap consumption.
To sum up, Copper and aluminum scrap markets are expected to remain relatively strong in the near to medium term, supported by steady industrial demand, electrification trends and tight scrap supply conditions. Meanwhile, zinc, nickel and lead scrap segments are likely to see stable to moderately positive performance amid balanced market fundamentals and gradual manufacturing recovery across key global economies.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.4183 per pound as of May 28, 2026, slightly higher by around 4¢ (↑0.62%) over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $13,701.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices recorded modest gains over the past week, extending the upward momentum seen in the previous week. #1 Copper Bare Bright prices increased by ↑0.32%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing also climbed ↑0.32%. In addition, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices moved higher, registering a ↑0.33% gain on the Index.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.02 | +0.32% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.02 | +0.32% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.02 | +0.33% |
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 prices rose by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, May 28, 2026, marking a ↑0.32% increase from the previous week. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also advanced by $0.02 per pound, registering a ↑0.32% weekly gain, while #2 Copper Wire and Tubing climbed by an identical amount, posting a ↑0.33% week-on-week increase by the end of the reporting period.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
As of Thursday, May 28, 2026, #1 Copper Bare Bright prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index moved higher by $0.02 per pound, recording a ↑0.33% weekly gain. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing prices also increased by $0.02 per pound, reflecting a ↑0.33% rise compared with the previous week. In addition, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing maintained its upward trend, posting a ↑0.34% week-on-week increase by the end of the week.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, May 28, 2026, recording a weekly gain of ↑0.31%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also edged higher by $0.02 per pound, reflecting a ↑0.32% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices advanced by ↑0.32% by the close of the week.
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 ↓0.66%, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing ↓0.65%, and #1 Copper Bare Bright ↓0.63%
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 17,000 per Ton(↓1.88%).
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures closed at USD 3,673.65 per metric ton as of May 28, 2026, modestly higher when compared with the previous week's closing price of USD 3,650.90 per metric ton.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,659.50 per tonne, according to the London Metal Exchange.
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a modest uptick in prices, climbing by $0.04 per Lb (↑2.41%) to finish higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week in positive territory, rising $0.02 per Lb week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a gain of $0.02 per Lb (↑1.98%). UBC prices followed the upward trend, recording a $0.02 per Lb increase over the same period.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.04 | +2.41% | |
0.02 | +1.72% | |
0.02 | +1.98% | |
0.02 | +1.96% |
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 $0.04 per Lb (↑2.41%) as of Thursday, May 28, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by $0.02 per Lb compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices increased from the previous week's closing price, rising by $0.02 per Lb (↑1.98%) during the week, while UBC prices also increased by $0.02 per Lb on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices moved higher over the past week, with several key grades posting notable gains. E.C. Aluminum Wire recorded the sharpest increase, rising by $0.04 per pound (↑2.41%), while 6063 Extrusions advanced by $0.02 per pound (↑1.72%). Old Cast prices also climbed by $0.02 per pound on a week-on-week basis, and UBC prices registered a similar increase during the same period.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index climbed by $0.04 per pound (↑2.41%) as of Thursday, May 28, 2026. 6063 Extrusions also moved higher, gaining $0.02 per pound compared with the previous week. By the close of the week, Old Cast prices advanced by $0.02 per pound (↑1.96%), while UBC prices likewise recorded a week-on-week increase of $0.02 per pound.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded a modest decline from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet posted the biggest dips, falling by CNY 250 per MT (↓1.14%) each.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded a dip on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The prices of both Aluminum utensil scrap and Aluminum ingots registered a similar decline, both down by INR 1,000 per Ton (↓0.26%)
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a jump in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices increased by ↑0.58% during the course of the week. Red Brass closed on a higher note, rising by ↑0.55% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | +0.55% | |
0.02 | +0.58% |
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 ↑0.55% as of Thursday, May 28, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted gains, increasing by ↑0.58% on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ended May 28, 2026, Red Brass prices had risen by ↑0.56% compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week increase, edging up by ↑0.59%.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices rose by $0.02 per pound, marking a ↑0.54% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, Yellow Brass prices also moved higher, gaining ↑0.56% 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 100 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 4,000 per Ton (↓0.92%)
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a marginal increase of USD 8.55 per Ton (↑0.42%) over the prior week to close at USD 2,027.38 per Ton as of May 28, 2026.
- The closing price of LME Lead 3-month contract was $2,018.00 per metric tonne, as per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices traded flat over the week, indicating stable supply-demand fundamentals. Scrap auto battery prices also held steady, closing the week at unchanged levels.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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 Thursday, May 28, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the close of the week ending May 28, 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 Thursday, May 28, 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 edged higher over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Zinc Futures closed at USD 3,561.20 per metric ton as of May 28, 2026, recording a modest increase of USD 19.40 per metric ton (↑0.55%).
- LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,551.00 per tonne
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices were flat over the past week, with all categories maintaining the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices held steady. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted no variation during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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 Thursday, May 28, 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 28, 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, May 28, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices were unchanged week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a dip of CNY 50 per MT on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price were down marginally by ↓0.29% from the previous week's price during the week ended May 28, 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
Global Steel Production Trends
Ferrous scrap demand is closely tied to steel production levels, particularly electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, which relies heavily on recycled scrap feedstock. Any increase in construction, automotive or infrastructure-related steel output directly supports scrap consumption and pricing.Infrastructure and Construction Activity
Government-led infrastructure spending and commercial construction projects continue to influence rebar, structural steel and flat steel demand. Strong construction activity generally boosts consumption of HMS, shredded scrap and busheling grades.Steel Mill Capacity Utilization
Higher operating rates at steel mills increase raw material procurement needs, including obsolete and prime scrap grades. Production curtailments or maintenance shutdowns, however, can quickly soften demand and pressure prices.Export Demand and Trade Flows
International buying activity from countries such as Turkey, India, Bangladesh and Vietnam remains a major factor shaping global ferrous scrap prices. Export demand fluctuations often determine domestic scrap market direction in North America and Europe.Availability of Obsolete and Industrial Scrap
Scrap generation levels from demolition activity, manufacturing operations and industrial production remain critical to supply conditions. Tight inflows at scrapyards often lead to upward price pressure, especially for high-quality grades.Environmental Policies and Decarbonization Goals
Steelmakers are increasingly shifting toward scrap-intensive EAF production to reduce carbon emissions and comply with sustainability regulations. This transition is expected to support long-term ferrous scrap demand globally.
The ferrous scrap market is expected to be driven primarily by steel production activity, infrastructure spending, export demand and tightening decarbonization policies favoring recycled steel usage. While energy costs and economic uncertainty may create periodic volatility, steady global demand for low-carbon steel production is likely to support the market over the near to medium term.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of May 28, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $401.50 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $590.50 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $390.00 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices remained flat week-on-week, signaling stable market fundamentals and balanced supply-demand dynamics. #1 HMS held firm at prior-week levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also traded sideways with no notable price movement.
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.870 million NT during the week ended May 23, 2026. This is ↓1.50% week-on-week and ↑8.70% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 81% (compared to 82.2% in the week ending May 16, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-139,000 NT, Great Lakes-510,000 NT, Midwest-319,000 NT, Southern-834,000 NT, Western-68,000 NT
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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
USA East Coast Steel Scrap Prices
Steel scrap prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index remained stable week on week as of Thursday, May 28, 2026, indicating balanced supply-demand fundamentals across the market. #1 HMS prices were unchanged from the prior week, while Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 also showed no movement. In addition, #1 Busheling continued to trade flat, highlighting steady conditions across major benchmark ferrous scrap grades.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
As of Thursday, May 28, 2026, #1 HMS prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index remained flat compared with the previous week. Likewise, Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 posted no price changes during the period, while #1 Busheling continued to trade at levels unchanged from 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 no variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices held steady 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 change as of Thursday, May 28, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices witnessed no fluctuation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity held steady during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no movement. The prices were flat during the week ended Thursday, May 28, 2026.
International Comparison
China ↓0.41%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All of the stainless steel scrap categories, except 201 SS, recorded decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Losers: 310 SS ↓0.55%, 304 SS Turning ↓0.45%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- U.S. Steel Mill Production- US Steel Industry Posts Robust Output Gains Through May 2026 / China's weak steel output, strong iron ore imports show structural shift
- Steel Output -China's weak steel output, strong iron ore imports show structural shift / Top 10 Steel Producers in April 2026: India, U.S. Lead Growth / World Crude Steel Output Falls 1.9% in April 2026: Worldsteel
- Mill Development/ Investment - US Steel: Strengthening Supply Chain With $1.9bn Investment
- Stainless Steel Trade- BIR Session to Focus on Changing Stainless Steel Trade Dynamics
- Steel Imports- The US reduced imports of rolled steel by 30.5% y/y in January-April / U.S. Steel Imports Rebound in April; South Korea Leads Supply
- Steel Trade Barriers- EU, US and Mexico Tighten Steel Trade Barriers Simultaneously
- Tariffs- Canadian steel companies pay millions after U.S. says they didn't pay proper tariffs
- Scrap Metal - $22.4 million metal recycling plant coming to Mobile County / Camden scrap metal facility completes new fire suppression system
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
“The scrap market in May is usually bearish as mills often enjoy a surge of supply as spring brings out more scrap. This year, the market has seen an increase in demand domestically and offshore. It may be keeping sentiment at these relatively high levels.” — Stephen Miller, commenting on ferrous scrap sentiment trends in May 2026.
Market Outlook
Steady Domestic Steel Mill Demand
Demand from electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers is expected to remain supportive in the near term as mills continue operating at healthy utilization rates. Infrastructure activity, automotive recovery and manufacturing demand are helping maintain stable scrap consumption levels.Tight Prime Scrap Availability
Industrial production scrap generation remains below historical averages in several regions, especially for prime grades such as busheling and bundles. Manufacturing efficiency improvements and cautious industrial output are likely to keep premium scrap grades relatively tight over the medium term.Seasonal Improvement in Scrap Flows
Warmer weather conditions in North America and Europe are improving collection activity and logistics efficiency. Increased obsolete scrap inflows may temporarily ease supply tightness, although overall availability is still not considered abundant.- Export Market Support Likely to Continue
Strong buying interest from key importers such as Türkiye, India and parts of Southeast Asia continues to underpin export pricing. Turkish deep-sea bookings and Asian billet demand are expected to remain important indicators for global ferrous scrap direction in the coming months. - Chinese Steel Production Policies to Influence Sentiment
China’s ongoing efforts to control steel output and emissions could indirectly affect global ferrous scrap demand and finished steel pricing. Lower Chinese exports may support steel margins elsewhere, thereby strengthening scrap buying interest globally. - Improving Steel Margins Could Lift Scrap Prices
If finished steel prices stabilize or rise further, mills may become more aggressive in securing raw materials. Better rebar, hot-rolled coil and billet margins could translate into firmer ferrous scrap prices through the medium term.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S
- Mon: ISM Manufacturing Index (May), Construction Spending (Apr)
- Wed: MBA Mortgage Applications
- Thu: Initial Jobless Claims and S&P Global Services PMI (May)
- Fri: Non-Farm Payrolls (May), Unemployment Rate, and ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI (May)
Europe (EU & UK)
- Mon: S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (May) across Germany, the UK, and the Eurozone
- Tue: German Retail Sales (Apr)
- Wed: S&P Global Services PMI (May) for major European economies
- Thu: Eurozone Producer Price Index (PPI) (Apr)
- Fri: UK Construction PMI (May)
Asia & Oceania
- Mon: China Caixin Manufacturing PMI (May) and Japan Capital Spending (Q1)
- Tue: Australia Retail Sales (Apr) and Japan Monetary Base (May)
- Wed: China Caixin Services PMI (May) and Australia Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- Thu: Japan Foreign Reserves (May)
- Fri: India Services PMI (May)
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.
POLL
Which scrap segment is most likely to outperform in the coming months?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which scrap metal categories recorded the strongest gains during the week?
Copper and aluminum scrap categories posted the strongest gains, with Sealed Units and Starters rising ↑2.08%, while E.C. Aluminum Wire climbed ↑2.41%.
- How did ferrous scrap prices perform during the week?
Ferrous scrap prices remained flat across major benchmark grades such as #1 HMS, HMS 80/20, Shredded Auto Scrap and #1 Busheling, indicating balanced market fundamentals.
- What factors are supporting aluminum scrap prices?
Strong recycled aluminum demand from the automotive, packaging and construction sectors, combined with rising processing costs and tight feedstock supply, supported aluminum scrap prices.
- What is the outlook for the scrap metal market?
The near-to-medium-term outlook remains cautiously positive, supported by infrastructure activity, industrial recovery, electrification trends and growing demand for low-carbon recycled materials.
- 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.
