Get an instant offer on your damaged car
Our pickup partner will do a quick inspection, and hand you a check.
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-05-15 06:55:06
Copper prices led the market higher, with key grades posting gains of up to 29 cents.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report provides a week-on-week assessment of price movements across key North American scrap metal categories, based on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index for the period May 8–14, 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Copper scrap markets maintained a firm week-on-week trend, with most grades posting price gains on the Index. Cu/Al Radiators, Cu/Al Radiator Ends, and Cu/Al Radiators/Fe were the only categories to remain unchanged during the period. The sharpest rise in price was seen in #3 Copper- Light Copper, whose prices surged by $0.29 per Lb (↑4.92%) week-on-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 values inched upward during the week. Additionally, global steel scrap benchmark prices remained stable, reflecting balanced supply and demand conditions in the market.
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.
Market Drivers
Energy Transition Demand (Copper, Aluminum, Nickel)
The accelerating buildout of EVs, battery storage, charging networks, and renewable power infrastructure continues to tighten demand for secondary copper, aluminum, and nickel-bearing scrap. Recycled non-ferrous material is increasingly preferred because it offers lower carbon intensity and faster availability than primary mined metal. This is supporting underlying scrap demand globally.
Tight Primary Metal Supply and Mining Constraints
Ongoing disruptions in global mining output, permitting delays, declining ore grades, and smelter bottlenecks are limiting primary supply growth. This is pushing consumers toward scrap as a substitute feedstock, especially in copper and aluminum where scrap substitution rates remain high.
Volatility in LME/Base Metal Prices
Recent fluctuations in benchmark copper, aluminum, zinc, and nickel prices are creating opportunistic buying and selling behavior. When metal prices rally, scrap collection improves; when prices soften, generators tend to hold back volumes, tightening prompt availability.
Scrap Collection Tightness
Collection volumes remain uneven across many regions due to cautious demolition activity, slower industrial replacement cycles, and inventory destocking. Limited obsolete scrap flow is keeping physical premiums elevated.
Rising Processing and Logistics Costs
Higher freight, labor, energy, and compliance costs are increasing scrap yard operating expenses. These costs are being passed through into higher offers for processed non-ferrous grades.
Circular Economy and ESG Compliance
Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to lower Scope 3 emissions and secure recycled-content inputs. This structural shift is boosting long-term procurement of certified secondary metals and supporting stronger demand visibility for quality non-ferrous scrap.
The non-ferrous scrap market is likely to remain firm but volatile, with copper and aluminum scrap expected to outperform due to stronger structural demand, while nickel and zinc may remain more sentiment-sensitive depending on broader industrial momentum.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices moved higher over the past week, supported by sustained positive market sentiment. #1 Copper Bare Bright advanced by ↑4.68%, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing posted a ↑4.75% increase. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also registered gains, rising ↑4.83% 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 | 0.29 | +4.68% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.29 | +4.75% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.29 | +4.83% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright climbed by $0.29 per pound as of Thursday, May 14, 2026, reflecting a ↑4.68% weekly increase. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also gained $0.29 per pound, rising ↑4.75% from the prior week, while #2 Copper Wire and Tubing advanced by the same amount, posting a ↑4.83% week-on-week gain by the close of the period.
As of Thursday, May 14, 2026, the price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.29 per pound, marking a ↑4.83% weekly gain. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also advanced by $0.29 per pound, registering a ↑4.99% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing continued its upward momentum, posting a ↑4.99% week-on-week rise by the close of the week.
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index went higher by $0.29 per pound as of Thursday, May 14, 2026, reflecting a weekly increase of ↑4.60%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched higher by $0.29 per pound, registering an upmove by ↑4.68% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices were up by ↑4.75% by week’s end.
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a modest uptick in prices, climbing by $0.07 per Lb (↑4.32%) to finish higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index compared with the previous week. 6063 Extrusions also closed the week in positive territory, rising $0.04 per Lb week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a gain of $0.03 per Lb (↑3.00%). UBC prices followed the upward trend, recording a $0.03 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 |
0.07 | +4.32% | |
0.04 | +3.51% | |
0.03 | +3.00% | |
0.03 | +2.97% |
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 jump of $0.07 per Lb (↑4.32%) as of Thursday, May 14, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by $0.04 per Lb compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices increased from the previous week's closing price, rising by $0.03 per Lb (↑3.00%) during the week, while UBC prices also increased by $0.03 per Lb on a week-on-week basis.
Aluminum scrap prices showed gains over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire rose by $0.07 per pound(↑4.32%), while 6063 Extrusions climbed $0.04 per Lb (↑3.51%). Old Cast advanced $0.03 per Lb week-on-week, and UBC prices increased by $0.03 per Lb during the same period.
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded an increase of $0.07 per Lb (↑4.32%) as of Thursday, May 14, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were up by $0.04 per Lb, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast increased by $0.03 per Lb (↑2.97%). Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week jump by $0.03 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 ↑2.61% during the course of the week. Red Brass closed on a higher note, rising by ↑2.50% during the week.
Charts


The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.09 | +2.50% | |
0.09 | +2.61% |
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 ↑2.50% as of Thursday, May 14, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted gains, increasing by ↑2.61% on the Index.
By the end of the week ended May 14, 2026, Red Brass prices had risen by ↑2.54% compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week increase, edging up by ↑2.68%.
Red Brass prices rose by $0.09 per pound, marking a ↑2.42% increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, Yellow Brass prices also moved higher, gaining ↑2.55% on the Scrap Monster Price Index by week’s end.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices remained steady throughout the week, reflecting a balanced market with limited changes in supply and demand dynamics. Scrap auto battery prices also remained flat, ending 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 14, 2026.
By the close of the week ending May 14, 2026, scrap auto battery prices held steady, remaining unchanged from the previous week.
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices edged higher upon comparison with the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.19%. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted a jump of ↑1.41% 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 |
0.01 | +1.19% | |
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 New Zinc Die Cast on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a jump by ↑1.19% as of Thursday, May 14, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.41% over the previous week.
By the conclusion of the week ended May 14, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded increase from the previous week’s price levels.
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed week-over-week jump of ↑1.19% on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, May 14, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices closed at a higher level, recording a jump of ↑1.41% week-over-week.
Market Drivers
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steel Production Growth
The global shift toward scrap-based steelmaking through Electric Arc Furnaces is a major structural demand driver. Steelmakers are increasing EAF capacity to reduce carbon emissions and comply with decarbonization targets, supporting sustained ferrous scrap consumption.
Balanced but Softening Mill Demand
Recent market activity shows stable-to-slightly softer mill buying interest in major regions like the U.S. and Europe. Mills are purchasing cautiously due to uncertain finished steel order books, limiting aggressive scrap price upside in the near term.
Tight Scrap Collection Flows
Seasonal weather disruptions, lower demolition activity, and slower industrial replacement cycles continue to restrict obsolete scrap generation. Tight collection volumes are supporting price floors despite uneven steel demand.
Turkish Import Market Influence
Turkey remains the benchmark seaborne ferrous scrap buyer. Turkish booking activity, pricing negotiations, and steel export competitiveness strongly influence global sentiment and near-term price direction.
Freight and Logistics Cost Pressure
Elevated freight rates, shipping disruptions, and inland transport cost inflation are raising delivered scrap costs globally. These pressures are supporting firmer offer prices even during periods of moderate demand.
Steel Price and Inventory Sentiment
Scrap pricing remains closely tied to finished steel margins and inventory restocking cycles. When steel prices improve, mills rebuild scrap inventories quickly; when margins compress, purchasing slows sharply, creating volatility.
The ferrous scrap market is expected to remain rangebound but firm, supported by structural EAF demand growth and tight physical availability, while weaker finished steel pricing and cautious mill procurement may limit sharp upward price spikes.
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of May 14, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $416.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $600.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $390.60 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices remained largely unchanged week on week, reflecting a stable and balanced market environment. #1 HMS held steady at the previous week’s level, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also recorded no price movement during the period.
According to American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.880 million NT during the week ended May 9, 2026. This is ↑1.3% week-on-week and ↑9.3% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 81.4% (compared to 80.4% in the week ending May 2, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-140,000 NT, Great Lakes-522,000 NT, Midwest-309,000 NT, Southern-842,000 NT, Western-67,000 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 14, 2026, prices for #1 HMS on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady compared with the prior week. Likewise, Shredded Auto Scrap and HMS 80/20 showed no week-on-week movement, while #1 Busheling remained stable over the same period.
As of Thursday, May 14, 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.
China Flat
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, by recovering all the losses towards the end of the week.
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
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no change as of Thursday, May 14, 2026.
304 SS Solid prices witnessed no fluctuation on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity held steady during the week.
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 14, 2026.
China ↓0.41%
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
“The scrap market remains largely sideways, with domestic mills showing little urgency to chase tons higher, while exporters continue to watch Turkish demand for clearer price direction.”
— Stephen Miller, editor and market analyst at Steel Market Update, weekly ferrous market commentary (May 2026)
Market Outlook
Stable Domestic Mill Buying Likely to Continue
Mill procurement activity remained disciplined last week, with most buyers purchasing only to meet immediate production requirements. This cautious approach is expected to persist in the near term unless finished steel order books improve materially, keeping scrap price movement relatively contained.
Rangebound Pricing Environment
The market showed little volatility during the previous week, suggesting prices are likely to remain within a narrow trading range over the next several weeks. Balanced supply-demand fundamentals are preventing sharp upward or downward corrections.
Turkish Import Activity Will Remain a Key Benchmark
Global ferrous scrap sentiment continues to be heavily influenced by Turkish deep-sea bookings. If Turkish mills increase buying volumes, international prices could strengthen quickly; continued selective purchasing would reinforce sideways pricing.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S
Europe
Asia
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
Copper scrap outperformed all major categories, with #3 Light Copper posting the sharpest gain of 4.92%, supported by higher COMEX and LME copper prices.
Aluminum scrap benefited from improved industrial demand, stronger futures pricing, and tighter collection flows that supported higher regional premiums.
Non-ferrous markets are expected to remain firm but volatile, while ferrous scrap should stay stable unless Turkish import demand or U.S. steel output shifts materially.
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.