Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- October 9-15, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-10-16 04:39:34
Aluminum scrap prices posted a modest week-on-week decline of nearly ↓2.19% on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with the majority of listed grades trending lower. Nearly all categories recorded price drops, except for Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, Aluminum Radiators/Fe, and Aluminum Transformers, which held steady.
By 
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report provides a week-on-week analysis of price trends across key scrap metal categories in North America, drawing on data from the Scrap Monster Price Index for October 9-15, 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Key copper scrap categories recorded a mixed performance during the week.
- Aluminum scrap prices witnessed a broad-based drop, driven by weakening downstream demand.
- Brass scrap market recorded modest week-on-week increases.
- Stainless steel scrap prices held steady on the Index.
- Steel scrap prices remained stable, reflecting balanced market conditions.
Copper scrap markets recorded a mixed trend, with the majority of categories edging higher. The biggest gainer was Alternator, which rose $0.02 per Lb (↑3.39%), followed by Sealed Units and Starters, which saw a jump of ↑3.28% each. Clean copper grades witnessed a minor decline on the Index, whereas a few other categories remained stable over the previous week's prices.
Aluminum scrap prices posted a modest week-on-week decline of nearly ↓2.19% on the Scrap Monster Price Index, with the majority of listed grades trending lower. Nearly all categories recorded price drops, except for Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, Aluminum Radiators/Fe, and Aluminum Transformers, which held steady.
Brass and bronze scrap prices registered modest gains on the Index, reversing the flat trend observed in the previous week. In the meantime, lead scrap markets remained stable, with no price variations reported across the North American markets.
Zinc scrap values inched upward during the week. New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast both reported slight jumps on the Scrap Monster Price Index, reflecting a firmer weekly tone in North American zinc scrap. Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices held steady, indicating a balance between supply and demand.
Also, stainless steel scrap prices registered no variation 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
Copper Scrap — Exchange Volatility and Supply Constraints
Copper scrap prices remain highly sensitive to COMEX and LME movements, mine-supply concerns and changing international trade flows. U.S. stockpiling driven by tariff uncertainty has created regional imbalances, while long-term demand from electrification, power infrastructure and data centres continues to support the market outlook.
Aluminum Scrap — Automotive Demand and Imported Scrap Availability
Aluminum scrap markets face pressure from weak automotive and extrusion demand in some regions, alongside uncertainty over tariffs, freight costs and international market access. In India, secondary aluminum producers are reportedly facing shortages of imported scrap, highlighting how supply constraints can coexist with subdued demand in key end-use sectors.
Brass and Bronze Scrap — Weak Buying and Narrower Processing Margins
Brass scrap prices are being affected by fluctuating copper and zinc benchmarks, ample material availability and cautious purchasing by alloy manufacturers. Recent Indian market reports indicate that brass scrap prices declined amid weak sales, while lower Chinese buying offers have squeezed exporters' margins and limited trading activity.
Lead Scrap — Battery Demand and Price-Benchmark Movements
Lead scrap demand is closely linked to the automotive replacement-battery sector, industrial backup power systems and secondary lead smelter purchasing. Although exchange-traded lead prices weakened in the latest available early-October Scrap Monster report, North American lead scrap benchmarks remained unchanged, indicating that physical scrap prices may adjust more slowly than exchange prices.
Zinc Scrap — Smelter Economics and Raw Material Availability
Zinc scrap prices are influenced by galvanizing demand, construction and manufacturing activity, as well as the cost and availability of primary zinc and secondary feedstock. Record-low treatment charges for zinc concentrates reported ahead of 2027 contract negotiations highlight pressure across the raw-material supply chain, while weaker exchange prices can weigh on scrap valuations when buyers become cautious.
Global Trade Policies and Currency Fluctuations
Shifting tariffs, import regulations, shipping costs and currency movements continue to influence global non-ferrous scrap trade flows and regional price competitiveness. A stronger U.S. dollar can make dollar-denominated metals more expensive for overseas buyers, while trade restrictions and logistical disruptions may redirect scrap supplies between markets, creating regional price disparities and uncertainty for recyclers and exporters.
Overall market outlook: Non-ferrous scrap markets are experiencing divergent trends, with copper supported by longer-term supply concerns but exposed to trade-related price volatility, while aluminum and brass face demand and trading-margin pressures. Lead, zinc and stainless steel remain sensitive to exchange benchmarks, downstream consumption and regional scrap availability.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.5527 per pound as of October 15, 2026, slightly down by nearly 2¢ (↓0.24%) over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $14,347.00 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Clean copper scrap prices reported an overall weak trend. #1 Copper Bare Bright dropped by 2¢ (↓0.31%), while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also recorded dips, falling by 2¢ per pound on the Index.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.02 | -0.31% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.02 | -0.31% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.02 | -0.32% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Copper Scrap Prices
On the Scrap Monster Price Index, #1 Copper Bare Bright dropped by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, October 15, 2026, marking a weekly loss of ↓0.31%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also decreased by $0.02 per pound, down ↓0.31% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing declined by $0.02 per pound, registering a ↓0.32% fall by week’s end.
USA Midwest Copper Scrap Prices
The price of #1 Copper Bare Bright on the Scrap Monster Price Index edged lower by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, October 15, 2026, a weekly decline of ↓0.31%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing reported a decline by $0.02 per pound, registering a dip by ↓0.32% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had dropped by $0.02 (↓0.32%).
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index went down by $0.02 per pound as of Thursday, October 15, 2026, reflecting a weekly decline of ↓0.30%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched lower by $0.02 per pound, registering a downward movement by ↓0.31% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices were down by $0.02 (↓0.31%) by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All the leading copper scrap categories recorded declines on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The top losers were #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, with prices of both these commodities down by CNY 1,450 per MT each on a weekly basis.
- The least percentage decline was reported in Harness Wire 35% Recovery, whose prices recorded a dip of CNY 50 per MT (↓0.49%) week-on-week.
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded slight week-over-week decline on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The commodity to report the biggest percentage dip in prices was Copper sheet cutting, whose prices fell by INR 16,000 per Ton (↓1.64%).
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures recorded a dip of USD 56.50 (↓1.86%) over the week to close at USD 2,985.00 per metric ton as of October 15, 2026.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $2,987.00 per tonne, according to the London Metal Exchange.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Over the past week, E.C. Aluminum Wire saw a modest decline in prices, falling by $0.03 per Lb (↑↓2.17%) 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 $0.02 per Lb week-on-week, while Old Cast experienced a dip of $0.02 per Lb (↓2.30%). UBC prices followed the weak market trend, recording a decline of $0.02 per Lb over the previous week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.03 | -2.17% | |
0.02 | -2.00% | |
0.02 | -2.30% | |
0.02 | -2.27% |
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 decline of $0.03 per Lb (↓2.17%) as of Thursday, October 15, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged lower by $0.02 per Lb compared with the previous week. Old Cast prices decreased from the previous week's closing price, falling by $0.02 per Lb (↓2.30%) during the week, while UBC prices also fell by $0.02 per Lb on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
Aluminum scrap prices posted declines over the past week. E.C. Aluminum Wire prices dropped by $0.03 per pound, while 6063 Extrusions edged lower by $0.02 per Lb (↓2.00%). Old Cast prices saw a dip of $0.02 per Lb week-on-week, and UBC prices decreased by $0.02 per Lb during the same period.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price of E.C. Aluminum Wire on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a fall of $0.03 per Lb as of Thursday, October 15, 2026. 6063 Extrusions were down by $0.02 per Lb, upon comparison with the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of Old Cast dropped by $0.02 per Lb (↓2.27%). Also, UBC prices recorded a week-on-week decline of $0.02 per Lb.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories, except Used Beverage Cans (UBC) recorded modest decline from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Old Cast and Old Sheet posted the biggest dips, falling by CNY 250 per MT (↓1.19%) each.
- UBC prices emerged as the sole gainer, rising CNY 300 per MT week-on-week.
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories edged lower on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Aluminum utensil scrap prices were down by INR 13,000 per Ton (↓3.98%)
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a jump in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices increased by ↑0.28% during the course of the week. Red Brass closed on a higher note, rising by ↑0.27% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +0.27% | |
0.01 | +0.28% |
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 ↑0.27% as of Thursday, October 15, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted gains, increasing by ↑0.28% on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ended October 15, 2026, Red Brass prices had risen by ↑0.27% compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week increase, edging up by ↑0.28%.
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices rose by $0.01 per pound, marking a ↑0.26% increase from the previous week. Similarly, Yellow Brass prices also moved higher, gaining ↑0.26% 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.
- Both Red Brass and Yellow Brass prices were down by CNY 350 per MT.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories saw modest dips on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The top loser was Brass Cuttings, whose prices saw a reduction by INR 2,000 per Ton (↓0.46%)
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a marginal increase of USD 19.43 per Ton (↑1.04%) over the prior week to close at USD 1,882.98 per Ton as of October 15, 2026.
- The closing price of LME Lead 3-month contract was $1,881.00 per metric tonne, as per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: Lead scrap prices remained stable over the week, indicating a well-balanced market with minimal shifts in supply and demand. Scrap auto battery prices also showed no movement, closing the week at unchanged levels.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0 | Nil |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The price of Scrap Auto Batteries on the Scrap Monster Price Index held steady as of Thursday, October 15, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ending October 15, 2026, Scrap Auto Batteries prices remained 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, October 15, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices posted a week-over-week variation of CNY 50 per MT (↓0.37%) on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Also, Auto Battery prices recorded a decline of ↓0.75% from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- The prices of all lead scrap categories in the region dropped over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Zinc Futures closed at USD 3,676.65 per metric ton as of October 15, 2026, recording a modest decline by USD 34.55 per metric ton (↓0.93%).
- LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,664.50 per tonne
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices edged higher upon comparison with the previous week's prices. New Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.06%. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices posted a jump of ↑1.15% during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.01 | +1.06% | |
0.01 | +1.15% |
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 a jump by ↑1.06% as of Thursday, October 15, 2026. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were up by ↑1.15% over the previous week.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
By the conclusion of the week ended October 15, 2026, the prices of New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast recorded increase from the previous week’s price levels.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
The prices of New Zinc Die Cast witnessed week-over-week jump of ↑1.06% on the Scrap Monster Price Index as of Thursday, October 15, 2026. Similarly, the Old Zinc Die Cast prices closed at a higher level, recording a jump of ↑1.15% week-over-week.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a decline of CNY 300 per MT on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price were down slightly by ↓1.66% from the previous week's price during the week ended October 15, 2026.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices recorded a modest decline of INR 2,000 per Ton (↓0.48%)over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Steel Mill Demand and Purchasing Activity
Strong U.S. steel mill demand and healthy order books helped support ferrous scrap prices in October, according to recent industry reports. Mill operating rates and replenishment requirements remain key factors determining whether scrap buyers increase bids or maintain current purchasing levels.
Global Steel Demand and Production Trends
Global steel demand is forecast to remain broadly unchanged at 1.722 billion tonnes in 2026, before growing by 1.7% in 2027. Weakness in China’s property and infrastructure sectors is weighing on the global outlook, while stronger demand in India and other developing economies provides an important source of support.
Export Demand and International Trade Flows
Export market movements influence domestic scrap prices by determining how much material is available to local steelmakers and how aggressively overseas buyers compete for supplies. U.S. export prices had strengthened during September before pulling back slightly in October, making export demand an important variable in the near-term market outlook.
Scrap Supply, Collection Volumes and Seasonal Factors
Scrap availability depends on industrial activity, demolition volumes, obsolete metal collection and seasonal changes in processing and transportation. Seasonal market conditions contributed to October pricing, while tighter-than-normal inventories in some regions could strengthen competition among mills for readily available material.
Steel Prices, Mill Margins and Raw Material Costs
Finished steel prices and production margins influence how much mills are willing to pay for scrap relative to iron ore, coking coal, pig iron and other metallic inputs. In India, rising steel prices and easing imported coking coal and iron ore costs have recently improved mill economics, potentially supporting raw material purchasing, although individual mills' scrap requirements vary.
Trade Policies, Tariffs and Scrap Export Restrictions
Changing tariffs, import measures and export restrictions are reshaping international ferrous scrap flows and influencing regional supply-demand balances. The OECD has highlighted growing competition for scrap as countries seek to secure feedstock for domestic steelmaking, creating potential supply constraints in import-dependent markets.
Overall market outlook: The near-term ferrous scrap market outlook remains relatively firm but regionally uneven. Strong U.S. mill demand, healthy order books and seasonal factors have supported October prices, although fluctuations in export demand and regional scrap availability could limit further increases.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing price of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of October 15, 2026 is provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $391.50 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $587.50 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $404.20 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices showed little week-on-week movement, indicating a stable and balanced market backdrop. #1 HMS remained at previous week levels, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also experienced no notable price changes during the period.
According to American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.796 million NT during the week ended October 10, 2026. This is ↓0.30% week-on-week and ↑4.10% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 77.8% (compared to 78.3% in the week ending October 3, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-140,000 NT, Great Lakes-534,000 NT, Midwest-285,000 NT, Southern-768,000 NT, Western-69,000 NT
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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
As of Thursday, October 15, 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.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
The Scrap Monster Price Index showed stable pricing across major ferrous scrap categories as of Thursday, October 15, 2026. #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, and HMS 80/20 prices remained unchanged week-on-week, while #1 Busheling prices also held steady throughout the period.
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
North America Stainless Steel Scrap Prices: The stainless steel scrap market traded sideways over the previous week, with prices holding firm across key grades. Notably, 304 SS Solid scrap remained unchanged from the prior week's level on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
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 variation as of Thursday, October 15, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices registered no change on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The price of the commodity held steady during the week.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, the price of 304 SS Solid remained unchanged during the week ended October 15, 2026, maintaining the same level as the previous week.
International Comparison
China ↓0.88%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All of the stainless steel scrap categories, except 201 SS, recorded declines on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Top loser: 310 SS- down by CNY 300 per MT (↓1.83%)
- 201 SS prices remained unchanged over the week.
See all Stainless steel daily reports → | Stainless Steel Price Index → | Related Stainless steel news →
Weekly Market Drivers
- U.S. Steel Mill Production- U.S. Raw Steel Report: Output Up 4.1% Year-on-Year-AISI
- Layoffs - Cleveland-Cliffs Vows Court Fight over Stelco Layoffs
- worldsteel Releases - worldsteel Names Six Steelmakers for 2026 Safety Excellence / worldsteel Predicts Flat 2026 Steel Demand, 1.7% Rebound by 2027
- Mill capacity addition - Nova Steel considers expansion in Delta despite tariff challenges
- Steel Shipments - U.S. Steel Shipments Rise 5.9% YoY in August
- Iowa Steel Mill - Iowa $15B Steel Mill: Land, Financing Steel Pending
- Metal Recycling - California Steel Mill to Recycle 500,000 Tons of Scrap
- Import/ Export Trade - EU Russian Steel Imports Plunge 55% as Quota Tightens
- Contract Negotiations - Granite city steelworkers want long-term commitment in nationwide contract negotiations
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
- Brass: U.S. ↑0.28%; China ↓0.83% | India ↓0.42%
- Zinc: U.S. ↑1.10%; China - ↓1.66% | India ↓0.24%
- Steel: Flat
- Stainless Steel: U.S.- Flat ; China ↓0.88%
Expert Quote:
"Overall, the main drivers of this October were strong US mill demand and order books, an export market that had risen over the course of September but has now pulled back slightly, and the season. At this time, dealers and mills anticipate that scrap flows will begin to slow down moving into the end of the year."- Industry Expert Source via Steel Market Update (Published October 15, 2026)
Market Outlook
Near-Term Prices Likely to Remain Firm
Ferrous scrap prices are expected to retain an upward bias in the near term, following October price increases driven by strong U.S. steel mill demand and healthy order books. However, the pace of further gains will depend on mill procurement levels and the availability of competing scrap supplies.
Tight Inventories May Support Prices
Scrap inventories in the U.S. were reported below normal levels ahead of October trading, providing potential support for prices. If collection volumes remain limited while mill demand strengthens, buyers may need to offer higher prices to secure sufficient material.
Export Demand Could Influence Regional Price Movements
International trade flows will remain an important factor in determining domestic scrap price direction, particularly where overseas buyers compete with local steel mills. A recent pullback in U.S. export markets could temper further domestic increases if export demand weakens.
Mill Maintenance Could Limit Further Gains
Planned steel mill outages and maintenance schedules may temporarily reduce scrap purchasing requirements in some regions during the fourth quarter. However, a resumption of normal production and renewed inventory replenishment could restore upward pressure on prices
Global Steel Overcapacity Remains a Medium-Term Risk
Persistent global steel overcapacity and weak demand in some major consuming markets could constrain steelmakers' profitability and limit their ability to absorb higher scrap costs. This may restrict sustained price increases even if scrap supply tightens in individual regions.
Infrastructure Spending and EAF Expansion Offer Longer-Term Support
Infrastructure investment and the expansion of electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking capacity could strengthen structural demand for recycled ferrous materials over the medium term. The extent of this support will depend on steel production rates, scrap availability and competition from alternative metallic inputs.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S
- Mon: NAHB Housing Market Index
- Tue: New Residential Construction (Housing Starts & Building Permits)
- Thu: Initial Jobless Claims
- Fri: S&P Global Flash US PMIs (Manufacturing & Services)
Europe
- Tue: UK Labour Market Report (Unemployment Rate)
- Wed: Eurozone Current Account
- Fri: S&P Global Flash Eurozone, Germany, and UK PMIs
Asia
- Mon: China Q3 Gross Domestic Product (GDP), China Industrial Production & Total Retail Sales, China Unemployment Rate
- Tue: People's Bank of China (PBoC) Loan Prime Rate setting
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POLL
Which North American scrap metal category is most likely to show the strongest price performance over the coming week?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did North American scrap metal prices perform during October 9–15, 2026?
North American scrap metal prices followed mixed trajectories during the week. Aluminum recorded a broad-based decline of approximately 2.19%, while clean copper grades slipped around 0.31%. Brass and bronze prices increased modestly, zinc scrap gained approximately 1.10%, and lead, steel and stainless steel scrap prices remained broadly stable.
- Why did aluminum scrap prices decline during the reporting week?
Aluminum scrap prices weakened amid subdued downstream demand, particularly in automotive and extrusion-related segments. Most major grades declined, including E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and Used Beverage Cans. Exchange-market weakness also contributed to the softer backdrop, with COMEX aluminum futures falling 1.86% over the week.
- What is the near-term outlook for North American scrap metal prices?
Ferrous scrap prices are expected to remain relatively firm, although regional conditions and mill purchasing activity will determine the extent of further movement. Non-ferrous scrap markets are likely to remain differentiated: copper may receive longer-term support from electrification and infrastructure demand, while aluminum could face continued pressure from weak consumption. Brass, zinc and lead prices will depend on benchmark metal prices, raw material availability and downstream buying activity.
- What factors are supporting the North American ferrous scrap market?
Healthy U.S. steel mill order books, procurement requirements and reports of below-normal scrap inventories have provided underlying support. Seasonal supply conditions may also influence availability as the year-end approaches. Nevertheless, weaker export demand, planned mill maintenance and global steel overcapacity could constrain additional price gains.
- 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.
