Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- Nov 28- Dec 4, 2025
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2025-12-05 03:40:34
Copper scrap prices mostly recorded week-on-week increase. However, a few categories such as Cu/Al Radiators, Cu/Al Radiator Ends and Cu/Al Radiators/Fe held steady on the Index.
By Paul Ploumis
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): The weekly market price trends in North America for various scrap metal categories on the Scrap Monster Price Index for the week of November 28- December 4, 2025 are given in the report that follows:
Copper scrap prices posted a mostly positive week-on-week trend, with several categories recording solid gains. A few segments, including Cu/Al Radiators, Cu/Al Radiator Ends and Cu/Al Radiators/Fe, remained unchanged on the index. The sharpest increase came from Xmas Lights, which surged by 3.33% over the week. Other categories showing strong upward momentum included Sealed Units, Starters, and Scrap Electric Motors, all of which saw notable price improvements compared to the previous week.
Aluminum scrap prices registered increase across most of the categories on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The largest week-on-week jump in prices was recorded in Mixed Aluminum Turnings, whose prices surged by 2.00%. Also, noatble price jumps were seen in 6063 Extrusions/Fe and 6061 Extrusions, whose prices were up by 1.35% and 1.30% respectively.
Brass and bronze scrap prices saw broad increases across all major categories last week, supported by stronger buying activity and firm demand for these alloy metals.
In contrast, lead and zinc scrap markets were stable, with prices holding flat across key trading regions and showing no significant shifts.
Global steel scrap benchmarks — including #1 HMS, HMS 80/20, #1 Busheling and Shredded Auto Scrap — also remained unchanged, reflecting a steady market environment.
Stainless steel scrap prices showed no fluctuation as well, with North America and China both reporting steady values across most stainless grades.
In summary, Scrap metal prices saw mixed movement last week. Copper scrap led gains with a jump in Xmas Lights. Aluminum scrap prices strengthened, driven by a rise in Mixed Aluminum Turnings and solid increases in 6063 and 6061 Extrusions. Brass and bronze prices climbed across key categories on firm demand. Lead and zinc scrap remained flat, with no notable changes. Steel and stainless steel scrap held steady, showing no major price shifts.
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
- Global Industrial Demand
Manufacturing activity in sectors like automotive, construction, and electronics directly boosts demand for copper, aluminum, brass, and other non-ferrous scrap. Base Metal Futures & LME Trends
Price movements on the LME and COMEX influence scrap buying behavior, with rising futures often lifting scrap bids.Export Market Activity
Strong demand from major importers—such as China, India, and Southeast Asia—supports higher scrap prices and tighter domestic supply.- Energy Costs & Smelter Output
High energy prices or reduced smelter operations can limit primary metal supply, increasing reliance on scrap. - Recycling Regulations & Policies
EPR mandates, import rules, and regional recycling targets can alter scrap flows and availability. - Collection Rates & Seasonal Supply
Weather, labor availability, and seasonal slowdowns affect scrap generation, tightening or loosening supply for processors and mills.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Over the past week, copper scrap prices recorded a modest uptick, reflecting growing market momentum. #1 Copper Bare Bright experienced a 1.35% rise, while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing climbed to $5.14 per pound, marking a 1.38% increase from the week’s start. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices moved up from $4.97 to $5.04 per pound, posting a weekly gain of 1.41%.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.07 | +1.35% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.07 | +1.38% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.07 | +1.41% |
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 incresaed by $0.07 per pound as of Thursday, December 4, 2025, a weekly jump of ↑1.35%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing went higher by $0.07 per pound, registering an increase by ↑1.38% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had recorded a rise by ↑1.41% , moving from $4.97 per pound to $5.04 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 $0.07 per pound as of Thursday, December 4, 2025, a weekly jump of ↑1.41%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing edged higher by $0.07 per pound, registering an increase by ↑1.44% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had edged higher by ↑1.47% to close the week at $4.84 per pound.
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by $0.07 per pound as of Thursday, December 4, 2025, a weekly increase of ↑1.34%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched higher by $0.07 per pound, registering a jump by ↑1.37% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices had recorded an increase by ↑1.39% as at the end of the week.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All of the copper scrap categories edged higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainers: #2 Copper Wire and Tubing ↑4.28%, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing ↑4.23%, #1 Copper Bare Bright ↑4.05%
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded week-over-week increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a broad recovery in aluminum scrap prices. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices edged higher by ↑0.78% to $1.29 per Lb. 6063 Extrusions closed at $0.99 per pound, registering an increase of ↑1.02% from the previous week's price. Old Cast recorded a jump from $0.84 per pound to $0.85 per pound, rising by ↑1.19% over the previous week. Also, the price of UBC reported an increase by ↑1.18% during the course of the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +0.78% | |
0.01 | +1.02% | |
0.01 | +1.19% | |
0.01 | +1.18% |
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 ↑0.78% as of Thursday, December 4, 2025. 6063 Extrusions were up by ↑1.02% to close at $0.99 per pound, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast increased by ↑1.19% on the Index. Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week increase of ↑1.18%, rising from $0.85 per pound to $0.86 per pound.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Over the previous week, aluminum scrap prices witnessed an increase. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices inched higher by ↑0.78% to $1.29 per Lb. 6063 Extrusions closed at $0.97 per pound, posting a jump of ↑1.04% from the previous week's price. Old Cast prices reported a jump from $0.81 per pound to $0.82 per pound, rising by ↑1.23% over the previous week. On the contrary, the price of UBC recorded no movement during the course of the week.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a jump of ↑0.78% as of Thursday, December 4, 2025. 6063 Extrusions were up by ↑1.02% to close at $0.99 per pound, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast increased by ↑1.18% on the Index. Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week increase of ↑1.16%, rising from $0.86 per pound to $0.87 per pound.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded increase from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Old Cast and Old Sheet prices recorded the biggest jumps, rising by ↑2.35% each on the Index.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded week-over-week increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainers: Aluminum ingots ↑3.37%, Aluminum utensil scrap ↑3.49%
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a modest increase of ↑1.59% in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices edged higher by ↑1.63%. Red Brass closed at $3.27 per pound, up ↑1.55% from the beginning of the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.05 | +1.55% | |
0.05 | +1.63% |
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 by $0.05 per pound as of Thursday, December 4, 2025, a weekly jump of ↑1.55%. Yellow Brass edged higher by $0.05 per pound, recording a jump by ↑1.63% from the prior week.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended December 4, 2025, the price of Red Brass had increased by ↑1.58% to $0.05 more per pound. Additionally, Yellow Brass prices recorded week-on-week jump by ↑1.68%.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass went higher by $0.05 per pound, witnessing a jump of ↑1.51% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Yellow Brass had increased by ↑1.59%, moving higher by $0.05 per pound.
International Comparison
China Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Gainer: Yellow Brass ↑1.48%
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap values showed no movement over the past week, remaining completely stable. Scrap Auto Battery prices held firm at $0.24 per pound by week’s end, reflecting an unchanged market position.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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, December 4, 2025.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended December 4, 2025, 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, December 4, 2025.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Auto Battery prices were unchanged at CNY 6,750 per MT.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- All lead scrap categories recorded week-over-week jump on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top Loser: Lead ingot ↑1.68%
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap pricing remained flat throughout the past week, with no recorded changes. New Zinc Die Cast continued to trade at $0.83 per pound, while Old Zinc Die Cast held unchanged at $0.70 per pound by week’s end.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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 change as of Thursday, December 4, 2025. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices remained flat over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended December 4, 2025, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded no variation from the previous week’s price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded no variation on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, December 4, 2025. Similarly, the New Zinc Die Cast prices remained unchanged week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a jump of ↑1.56% on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price closed at CNY 16,250 per MT during the week ended December 4, 2025.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices edged lower by ↓1.61% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Export-Import Flows: Demand from export markets (e.g., Turkey, Southeast Asia) can tighten local supply and support domestic scrap prices.
Scrap Collection & Supply : Availability of scrap from demolition, manufacturing, and end-of-life products influences market volumes and price stability.
Substitute Feedstocks: Competition from virgin iron, direct-reduced iron (DRI), or pig iron can affect scrap demand and pricing dynamics.
Quality Requirements & Grade Differentiation: Demand for higher-quality scrap (like HMS #1 or shredded auto scrap) influences pricing and procurement strategies, as mills pay premiums for cleaner, consistent grades.
- Technological Advancements in Steelmaking: Innovations in EAF efficiency, scrap sorting, and processing can increase the attractiveness of scrap over alternative feedstocks, supporting higher usage.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap pricing remained stable throughout the past week with no variations. #1 HMS held its prior level at $315 per MT, while Shredded Auto Scrap prices were flat at $360 per MT over the week. HMS 80/20 continued to trade at $255 per MT, and #1 Busheling also stayed flat at $380 per MT, reflecting a stable market.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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
The price of #1 HMS on the Scrap Monster Price Index reported no change as of Thursday, December 4, 2025. Shredded Auto Scrap prices were unchanged on the Index upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of HMS 80/20 had recorded no change. #1 Busheling prices also were flat over the previous week.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. Shredded Auto Scrap closed the week at $360 per MT, reporting no variation from the beginning of the week. The HMS 80/20 prices were stable. Also, the price of # Busheling recorded no weekly variation.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS’s price on the Scrap Monster Price Index was flat as of Thursday, December 4, 2025. Shredded Auto Scrap witnessed no change in prices, holding steady at $360 per MT from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of HMS 80/20 had recorded no fluctuation. #1 Busheling prices also held steady over the previous 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 were flat at $1,630 and $1,730 per MT respectively.
STAINLESS STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, stainless steel scrap prices remained flat on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 304 SS Solid scrap prices recorded no week-on-week variation, holding steady at $0.61 per Lb.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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, December 4, 2025.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity was flat to end the week at $0.61 per Lb.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded no fluctuation, holding steady at $0.61 per pound during the week ended Thursday, December 4, 2025.
International Comparison
China Flat
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All the stainless steel scrap categories remained stable on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- Mills & buy programs- U.S. Steel Output Records Annual Growth Despite Week-to-Week Slowdown
- Trade/policy- Recycling Industry Pushes for Regulated Scrap Supply to Support EAF Production
- Tariffs- New Tariff Rate Quotas Threaten Korean Steel Export Competitiveness
- Recycling Market Trends- US scrap trends outlook: December 2025
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Copper: U.S. ↑1.35%– ↑3.33%; China- ↑4.19%; India- ↑6.76%
Aluminum: U.S.-↑0.78%– ↑2.00%; China- ↑1.99%; India- ↑3.43%
Steel: Flat trend across all major regions
- Stainless Steel: U.S.-Flat ; China- Flat
Expert Quote:
“The U.S. ferrous scrap market remains “broadly neutral” — with the “Trend Indicator” dipping slightly to 47.9, implying a modest ~1% month-on-month price decline is expected..” — Fastmarkets (US ferrous-scrap survey — December 2025)
Market Outlook
- Stable-to-Soft Near-Term Pricing — Ferrous scrap prices are expected to remain mostly range-bound, with mild downward pressure due to cautious mill buying and uneven demand for finished steel.
- Export Demand Providing Key Support — Demand from major importers — especially Turkey, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East — continues to offer a price floor, keeping export-grade scrap firmer than domestic grades.l.
- Regional Price Divergence Likely to Persist — Ferrous scrap prices will continue to vary widely by region, with U.S. export markets showing firmer trends, while parts of Europe and Asia face softer domestic demand and weaker mill utilization rates.
- Seasonal Tightness in Scrap Supply — Winter conditions and slower collection cycles typically reduce incoming scrap flows, which may tighten supply and limit significant price declines, particularly for prime grades.
- Shift Toward Scrap-Intensive Steelmaking — Global expansion of electric-arc furnace (EAF) capacity, especially in the U.S., Europe, and India, is expected to raise structural demand for high-quality scrap in the medium term.
- Logistics and Freight Costs Remain a Wildcard — Shipping costs, container shortages, and port congestion may influence global scrap flows, occasionally disrupting arbitrage opportunities and causing short-term price volatility.
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Copper Scrap Prices | Aluminum Scrap Prices | Steel Scrap Prices | Brass Scrap Prices | Scrap Yard Directory | Company Directory | Daily Market Report
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What were the key trends in North American scrap metal prices (Nov 28–Dec 4, 2025)?
Copper, aluminum, brass, and bronze prices mostly rose, led by a 3.33% jump in Xmas Lights. Lead, zinc, steel, and stainless steel scrap remained flat across major hubs.
- Which non-ferrous scrap metals saw the largest weekly gains?
Copper Xmas Lights ↑3.33%, Mixed Aluminum Turnings ↑2.00%, 6063 Extrusions ↑1.35%, 6061 Extrusions ↑1.30%, and brass/bronze categories saw modest increases (~1.55–1.63%).
- What factors are driving scrap metal market movements?
Key drivers include global industrial demand, base metal futures (LME/COMEX), export/import activity, energy costs, recycling policies, seasonal supply changes, mill buying programs, and trade policies affecting exports.
- How can I track scrap metal prices in real time?
Use the Scrap Monster Price Index or US Scrap Price Index, and access daily reports via the Scrap Monster portal.
