Scrap Metal Prices: Weekly Market Report- September 4-10, 2026
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2026-09-11 06:14:27
Copper scrap prices exhibited a mixed performance during the week, with several major grades registering modest week-over-week increases, while a handful of categories held steady with no change on the Index. Meanwhile, clean copper grades recorded dip in prices.
By 
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): This report reviews the latest trends in the North American scrap metal market for the week of September 4–10, 2026. Using pricing data from the Scrap Monster Price Index, it tracks weekly changes across major scrap metal categories and highlights notable shifts in market direction. The analysis also explores key factors affecting scrap values, trading activity, and overall market sentiment during the period.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Copper scrap prices exhibited a mixed performance during the week, with several major grades registering modest week-over-week increases, while a handful of categories held steady with no change on the Index. Meanwhile, prices for clean copper grades dipped toward the end of the week after posting gains earlier in the week..
- Aluminum scrap exhibited a mixed pricing pattern, as most grades advanced while a limited number remained unchanged over the reporting period.
- The brass scrap market registered a slight week-on-week decrease.
- Stainless steel scrap prices advanced during the week, as the majority of grades registered moderate week-on-week gains, pointing to firm market conditions.
- Steel scrap prices held steady throughout the week, as consistent mill demand and sufficient scrap availability helped maintain balanced market conditions.
Copper scrap markets witnessed a mixed trend, with most clean grades posting declines. The steepest drop was seen in #3 Copper- Light Copper, which fell by $0.14 per pound (↓2.24%). Prices for Harness Wire 35% Recovery, Cu/Al Radiators, Cu/Al Radiators/Fe, Cu/Al Radiator Ends, Copper Transformer Scrap, Xmas Lights, and Cu Yokes held steady throughout the week. In contrast, several other scrap categories recorded gains, with Scrap Electric Motors, Sealed Units, Starters, and Alternators posting notable price increases.
Aluminum scrap prices registered a modest week-on-week increase across most tracked grades on the Scrap Monster Price Index, although a few categories remained unchanged. All aluminum scrap varieties, except Aluminum Radiators/Fe, Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe, and Aluminum Transformers, recorded price increases during the week.
Brass and bronze scrap prices posted modest declines on the Index, reversing the flat trend witnessed during the previous week. The prices eased toward the end of the week after gaining earlier in the period. The lead scrap market remained broadly steady during the week, with prices holding unchanged across North American scrap metal markets.
Zinc scrap prices were largely stable across major North American markets during the reporting week. Both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast maintained their previous price levels on the Scrap Monster Price Index, pointing to a steady market with limited price movement and relatively subdued trading activity.
Meanwhile, global steel scrap benchmark prices remained unchanged during the week, reflecting balanced market conditions as ample supply continued to meet prevailing demand.
Stainless steel scrap prices posted modest gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the reporting period, with prices edging higher across the market.
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 – Record High Primary Copper Prices
Copper remained one of the strongest drivers for non-ferrous scrap values as global copper prices climbed to record levels during the week. LME copper reached around $14,700 per tonne, supported by concerns over mine supply and strong structural demand from power grids, data centers and electrification. The elevated benchmark provided fundamental support for higher-value copper scrap grades.
Aluminum Scrap – Higher Primary Aluminum Prices
Aluminum scrap benefited from firmer primary aluminum benchmarks during the reporting period. LME aluminum gained about 1.6% during the September 1–4 trading period, supported partly by constructive global manufacturing indicators. Chinese aluminum scrap prices also moved higher, while stronger primary aluminum values improved the replacement-cost basis for secondary processors.
Zinc Scrap – Firmer Zinc Benchmark
Zinc prices were supported by stronger international benchmark pricing during the period. LME zinc was among the best-performing major base metals in the September 1–4 review, gaining approximately 1.6%. The firmer primary-metal market provided support for zinc-bearing scrap and helped maintain upward pressure on secondary-material values.
Brass and Bronze Scrap – Mixed Global Signals
Brass and bronze markets faced a more balanced environment than copper and aluminum. International scrap assessments showed gains in U.S. copper-containing brass materials, while Chinese and Indian brass/bronze markets had previously shown weaker movements. This divergence points to regional differences in demand, availability and purchasing appetite rather than a broad-based rally across all brass grades.
Lead Scrap – Limited Price Momentum
Lead scrap remained comparatively subdued as primary lead prices showed only modest movement. The LME three-month lead contract gained just 0.1% in the September 1–4 weekly review, indicating limited momentum compared with copper, aluminum and zinc. Stable battery-scrap pricing therefore reflected relatively balanced supply and demand conditions.
Global Macro and Energy Costs – Volatility Across Non-Ferrous Metals
Broader financial and geopolitical developments remained an important influence on non-ferrous metals. Gulf tensions pushed oil prices higher, while movements in Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar affected base-metal trading sentiment. Higher energy and transportation costs could also raise collection, processing and freight expenses for scrap dealers, adding another layer of support to replacement costs.
COPPER SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Copper Futures closed at USD 6.5233 per pound as of September 10, 2026, modestly down by around 16¢ (↓2.38%) over the prior week.
- According to the London Metal Exchange, LME Copper 3-month contract's closing price stood at $14,233.50 per tonne.
Market Highlights
North America Copper Scrap Prices: Copper scrap prices reported an overall weak trend. #1 Copper Bare Bright dropped by 14¢ (↓2.14%), while #1 Copper Wire and Tubing and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing also recorded dips, falling by 14¢ per pound on the Index.
Charts
The table below outlines the week-on-week price movements for #1 Copper Bare Bright, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| #1 Copper Bare Bright | 0.14 | -2.14% |
| #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.14 | -2.17% |
| #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 0.14 | -2.20% |
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 $0.14 per pound as of Thursday, September 10, 2026, marking a weekly loss of ↓2.14%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing also decreased by $0.14 per pound, down ↓2.17% from the previous week. Meanwhile, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing declined by $0.14 per pound, registering a ↓2.20% 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 $0.14 per pound as of Thursday, September 10, 2026, a weekly decline of ↓2.16%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing reported a decline by $0.14 per pound, registering a dip by ↓2.19% from the prior week. By the end of the week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing had dropped by $0.14 (↓2.23%).
USA West Coast Copper Scrap Prices
#1 Copper Bare Bright’s prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index went down by $0.14 per pound as of Thursday, September 10, 2026, reflecting a weekly decline of ↓2.11%. #1 Copper Wire & Tubing inched lower by $0.14 per pound, down ↓2.14% from the prior week. #2 Copper Wire and Tubing prices were down by $0.14 (↓2.17%) by week’s end.
International Comparison
China Copper Scrap Prices
- All key copper scrap categories posted modest jumps on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- #2 Copper Wire and Tubing recorded the strongest weekly increase, with prices rising ↑3.49% compared with the previous week. #1 Copper Wire and Tubing followed closely, posting a ↑3.46% week-on-week gain.
India Copper Scrap Prices
- All copper scrap categories recorded a week-over-week increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- The commodity to report the biggest jump in prices was Copper sheet cutting, whose prices were up by INR 4,000 per Ton(↑0.43%).
ALUMINUM SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Aluminum Futures closed at USD 3,279.60 per metric ton as of September 10, 2026, modestly lower than the previous week's closing price of USD 3,292.50 per metric ton.
- LME Aluminum 3-month contract closed at $3,293.50 per tonne, according to the London Metal Exchange.
Market Highlights
North America Aluminum Scrap Prices: Aluminum scrap prices edged higher during the week, with several benchmark grades posting modest gains. E.C. Aluminum Wire and 6063 Extrusions advanced ↑1.35% and ↑1.92%, respectively, week over week. Old Cast recorded the strongest increase among the featured grades, climbing ↑2.22%, followed closely by UBC, which gained ↑2.20% over the previous week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in E.C. Aluminum Wire, 6063 Extrusions, Old Cast and UBC.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| E.C. Aluminum Wire | 0.02 | +1.35% |
| 6063 Extrusions | 0.02 | +1.92% |
| Old Cast | 0.02 | +2.22% |
| UBC | 0.02 | +2.20% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
E.C. Aluminum Wire rose ↑1.35% as of Thursday, September 10, 2026. 6063 Extrusions edged higher by ↑1.92%. Old Cast increased ↑2.22%, while UBC prices rose ↑2.20% on a week-on-week basis.
USA Midwest Aluminum Scrap Prices
E.C. Aluminum Wire rose $0.02 per pound, while 6063 Extrusions climbed ↑1.92%. Old Cast advanced ↑2.27% week-on-week, and UBC prices increased ↑2.25%.
USA West Coast Aluminum Scrap Prices
E.C. Aluminum Wire gained ↑1.35% week over week, while 6063 Extrusions advanced ↑1.92%. Old Cast increased by $0.02 per lb, and UBC prices posted a ↑2.17% increase.
International Comparison
China Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All aluminum scrap categories recorded a modest increase from the previous week's prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Old Cast and Old Sheet posted the biggest jumps, both rising by CNY 200 per MT (↑0.92%).
India Aluminum Scrap Prices
- All tracked aluminum scrap grades posted weekly gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Prices for Aluminum Utensil Scrap and Aluminum Ingot advanced by INR 4,000 per ton each from the previous reporting period, reflecting steady demand and stronger market sentiment.
- Aluminum Utensil Scrap recorded the largest week-on-week increase among the grades tracked, rising ↑1.18% during the week.
BRASS/BRONZE SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
North America Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices: Over the previous week, there was a slight decline in brass/bronze scrap prices. Yellow Brass’s prices recorded a dip of $0.02 per Lb (↓0.55%) during the course of the week . Red Brass closed on a lower note, posting a decline of $0.02 per Lb during the week.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Yellow Brass and Red Brass.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | -0.53% | |
0.02 | -0.55% |
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 dropped by $0.02 per Lb as of Thursday, September 10, 2026. Yellow Brass also posted dip in prices, down by $0.02 per Lb on the Index.
USA Midwest Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
By the end of the week ended September 10, 2026, Red Brass prices had dipped by $0.02 per Lb compared to the start of the week. Yellow Brass also recorded a week-on-week decline, edging lower by $0.02 per Lb (↓0.57%).
USA West Coast Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
Red Brass prices dipped by $0.02 per pound, marking a ↓0.52% decline from the previous week. Also, Yellow Brass prices moved lower, recording a dip of $0.02 per pound 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 increase on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Both Red Brass and Yellow Brass prices were up by CNY 600 per MT.
India Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
- All brass/bronze scrap categories edged higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
LEAD SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Lead Futures recorded a slight decline of USD 5.45 per Ton (↓0.52%) over the prior week to close at USD 1,902.18 per Ton as of September 10, 2026.
- The closing price of LME Lead 3-month contract was $1,901.00 per metric tonne, as per London Metal Exchange data.
Market Highlights
North America Lead Scrap Prices: The lead scrap market remained flat throughout the week, reflecting balanced supply and demand conditions. Scrap auto battery prices likewise showed no movement, ending the week at levels unchanged from the previous week.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in Scrap Auto Batteries.
| Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
| Scrap Auto Batteries | 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 held steady as of Thursday, September 10, 2026.
USA Midwest Lead Scrap Prices
Scrap auto battery prices remained stable during the week ending September 10, 2026, with no change recorded compared to the previous week's levels.
USA West Coast Lead Scrap Prices
The prices of Scrap Auto Batteries recorded no change as of Thursday, September 10, 2026.
International Comparison
China Lead Scrap Prices
- Soft Lead and #2 Lead scrap prices held steady on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Also, Auto Battery prices recorded a dip of ↓0.75% from the prior week's prices.
India Lead Scrap Prices
- The prices of all lead scrap categories in the region remained flat over the previous week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
ZINC SCRAP PRICES
- COMEX Zinc Futures closed at USD 3,875.40 per metric ton as of September 10, 2026, recording a modest decline of USD 52.35 per metric ton (↓1.33%).
- LME Zinc 3-month contract's closing price on the London Metal Exchange: $3,892.00 per tonne
Market Highlights
North America Zinc Scrap Prices: Zinc scrap prices showed no movement during the week, with all tracked grades maintaining their previous price levels. New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast both remained unchanged week over week on the Scrap Monster Price Index, reflecting continued stability in the zinc scrap market.
Charts
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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
As of Thursday, September 10, 2026, the price of New Zinc Die Cast on the Scrap Monster Price Index remained unchanged. Old Zinc Die Cast also posted no week-on-week movement, continuing to trade at the same price level as the previous reporting period.
USA Midwest Zinc Scrap Prices
The zinc scrap market remained steady during the reporting week, with prices for both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast unchanged on a week-on-week basis as of September 10, 2026.
USA West Coast Zinc Scrap Prices
Zinc scrap prices remained unchanged on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week ended September 10, 2026. Both New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast maintained their previous week’s closing levels, with neither grade recording any week-on-week price movement.
International Comparison
- Shred zinc scrap prices recorded a jump of CNY 450 per MT on the Scrap Monster Price Index. The commodity's price was up by ↑2.49% from the previous week's price during the week ended September 10, 2026.
- Tin Slab prices held steady week-over-week on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- Zinc slab prices witnessed an increase of ↑0.96% over the previous week
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
Higher U.S. Steel Output
U.S. raw steel production remained relatively strong, with weekly output reaching about 1.833 million tons, up 0.7% week over week and 5.6% year over year. Capacity utilization stood near 79.4%, indicating that mills were operating at comparatively healthy rates. This provided a solid underlying consumption base for ferrous scrap.
Prime Scrap Outperformed
The September trading cycle showed a noticeable distinction between prime and lower-grade scrap. Busheling increased by around $10 per gross ton in some markets, while shredded scrap and HMS largely held their previous levels. The stronger performance of prime grades suggests that availability of cleaner, higher-quality material remained a more important pricing factor than overall scrap availability.
Narrow Regional Price Movement
Regional trading produced very little divergence during the latest settlement cycle. Most districts reported sideways pricing for shredded scrap and HMS, while isolated increases were seen in prime grades. This indicates that regional supply conditions were relatively synchronized rather than one particular market experiencing a major shortage.
Scrap Inventory Levels Stayed Near Normal
Fastmarkets' September survey showed a U.S. scrap inventory indicator of 51.1, pointing to broadly normal inventory levels at mills. Neither excessive stockpiling nor unusually low inventories were creating significant price pressure. This reduced the likelihood of sharp movements in either direction during the reporting period.
Tariff Protection Supported Domestic Steelmaking
The U.S. steel tariff regime continued to provide a degree of protection for domestic producers. This helped keep domestic steel production relatively resilient despite slower growth in some end-use sectors. For scrap suppliers, the tariff environment therefore offered an indirect source of support by sustaining domestic mill operations and metallic demand.
Finished Steel Prices Faced a Demand Ceiling
Although U.S. steel prices remained elevated, demand growth was not strong enough to generate aggressive mill competition for scrap. HRC prices were reported around $1,185 per ton, but slower demand limited further upside. This combination of high steel prices and restrained consumption helped explain why scrap prices remained largely range-bound.
Rising Energy Costs Added a New Cost-Side Risk
Energy became a more significant consideration toward the end of the week as Brent crude moved above $100 per barrel amid escalating Middle East supply concerns. Higher diesel, transportation and processing costs could increase expenses for scrap collectors, processors and steelmakers. While this had not yet translated into a major scrap-price move, it created a potential floor under ferrous scrap values going forward.
The most distinctive feature of the previous week's ferrous market was stability rather than a strong directional move. The key story was the relative strength of prime grades, healthy mill operating rates, normal inventories and a tariff-supported domestic steel industry, while subdued demand prevented these factors from developing into a broad scrap-price rally.
STEEL SCRAP PRICES
Market Highlights
The closing prices of various LME 2-month steel contracts on the London Metal Exchange as of September 10, 2026 are provided below:
Steel Scrap CFR Turkey (Platts) - $396.00 per tonne
Steel Rebar FOB Turkey (Platts) - $600.00 per tonne
Steel Scrap CFR India (Platts) - $390.40 per tonne
North America Steel Scrap Prices: Steel scrap prices remained unchanged week over week, reflecting stable market conditions and a balanced supply-demand environment. #1 HMS held at its previous-week level, while Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling also posted no price changes during the reporting period.
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. raw steel production totalled 1.808 million NT during the week ended September 5, 2026. This is ↓0.60% week-on-week and ↑1.70% year-on-year.
The capability utilization rate stood at 78.30% (compared to 78.70% in the week ending August 29, 2026).
Region-wise production - Northeast-123,000 NT, Great Lakes-511,000 NT, Midwest-281,000 NT, Southern-821,000 NT, Western-72,000 NT
Charts
The table below provides weekly price variations in #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling.
Category | Price Change ($) | % 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
Ferrous scrap prices remained steady during the week ended September 10, 2026, according to the Scrap Monster Price Index. Stable supply-demand dynamics and consistent market activity kept prices largely unchanged. Key benchmark grades, including #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling, all held at their previous-week levels, pointing to limited pricing pressure across the ferrous scrap market.
USA Midwest Steel Scrap Prices
#1 HMS prices remained unchanged on the Scrap Monster Price Index during the week. In contrast, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling each recorded week-on-week increases, pointing to firmer pricing across several major ferrous scrap grades.
USA West Coast Steel Scrap Prices
Ferrous scrap prices remained unchanged week over week as of September 10, 2026, with all major benchmark grades holding their previous levels on the Scrap Monster Price Index. #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling all recorded zero price movement during the reporting period, pointing to stable market conditions and balanced supply-demand fundamentals.
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: Stainless steel scrap prices moved higher during the week ended September 10, 2026, with most major grades posting gains on the Scrap Monster Price Index. 201 SS recorded the strongest advance, climbing ↑5.00% week over week and signaling continued upward momentum and firm market sentiment across the stainless steel scrap sector.
Chart
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in 304 SS Solid scrap.
Category | Price Change ($) | % Change |
0.02 | +3.03% |
Access our Daily Scrap Metal Price Report Hub
Track real-time prices via our US Scrap Price Index
USA East Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
The price of 304 SS Solid on the Scrap Monster Price Index recorded a jump of ↑3.03% as of Thursday, September 10, 2026.
USA Midwest Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
304 SS Solid prices on the Scrap Monster Price Index increased by ↑3.03% during the week ended September 10, 2026. The grade advanced by $0.02 per pound from the previous week's closing level, reflecting continued strength in the stainless steel scrap market.
USA West Coast Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
According to the Scrap Monster Price Index, the price of 304 SS Solid increased by ↑3.03% during the week ended September 10, 2026, recording a week-on-week jump of $0.02 per Lb.
International Comparison
China ↑0.44%
China Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
- All stainless steel scrap categories inched higher on the Scrap Monster Price Index.
- 201 SS posted the strongest gain, increasing by CNY 50 per MT (↑0.82%) on the Index during the week ended September 10, 2026.
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 Output Rises 5.4% Through September 2026
- Steel Scrap- VinMetal to Import Steel Scrap for Proposed Steel Plant
- Steel Shipment- AISI: U.S. Steel Mills Ship 3.7% Less Steel in July
- Site Accident- Canada's Algoma Steel agrees to wrist-slap fine after admitting guilt in the death of Damien Bryan
- New Steel Plant- Officials: Steel manufacturer selects Pickens County for first SC facility / Hyundai Steel Launches $5.8 Billion Louisiana Mill Project
- Emissions/ Green Steel- Steel producers confirm CO2e emissions north of 30 million tons / Has the Iran war been a setback for greener steelmaking?
- Tariffs- Baltimore's Marlin Steel warns Canada tariffs could hit 100% American-made steel business
Global Comparison & Policy Impact
USA vs. China/India
Expert Quote:
"The September ferrous market pretty much wrapped up a reasonably unexciting trade on Friday with nearly all grades in all regions trading sideways from August price levels." — market participant, quoted by Steel Market Update.
Market Outlook
Mostly Sideways Prices in the Near Term
The immediate outlook is for ferrous scrap prices to remain largely within a narrow range. Fastmarkets’ September survey found little conviction among market participants for either a substantial increase or decline. With the Trend Indicator close to the neutral 50 mark, significant price movement is unlikely unless a new supply or demand catalyst emerges.
Prime Grades Could Show Better Resilience
Prime scrap grades are likely to remain comparatively firm because their availability can tighten more quickly when manufacturing activity changes. Busheling and other prime grades may therefore outperform lower-quality material if mills maintain healthy operating rates. This could result in wider price differences between prime and obsolete grades rather than a uniform market move.
Finished Steel Demand Will Determine the Next Move
The scrap market's medium-term direction will increasingly depend on whether elevated steel prices translate into stronger mill order books. Current conditions show a relatively firm steel-price environment but only gradual demand growth. A meaningful improvement in construction, manufacturing or automotive consumption could strengthen scrap buying, whereas continued demand restraint would keep prices range-bound.
Normal Inventories Reduce the Risk of Sharp Swings
U.S. mill scrap inventories are currently close to normal levels, with Fastmarkets' inventory indicator at 51.1. This suggests mills are neither carrying excessive stocks nor facing an immediate shortage. Consequently, inventory positions are unlikely to create significant selling pressure or trigger aggressive spot-market buying in the near term.
Export Markets Remain the Wild Card
International scrap demand could become a more important price catalyst over the next several months. Changes in Turkish buying, Asian demand and global steel trade flows could redirect material toward or away from the U.S. market. A revival in export activity would tighten domestic availability and create upside potential, particularly for shredded and HMS grades.
Medium-Term Market Confidence Is Improving Only Cautiously
The market does not currently show a strong bullish consensus, but sellers are somewhat more optimistic than buyers. Fastmarkets recorded a seller Trend Indicator of 52.7, compared with 45.8 for buyers, while overall consensus on the neutral outlook reached 74%, the highest in the survey's history. This suggests participants expect stability first, with the possibility of modest gains if supply tightens or steel demand improves.
WATCHLIST FOR UPCOMING WEEK
U.S
- Wed: US Retail Sales (August)
- Thu: Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision & FOMC Statement, Housing Starts & Building Permits (August)
Europe (EU & UK)
- Tue: German ZEW Economic Sentiment
- Thu: Bank of England (BoE) Interest Rate Decision
Asia & Oceania
- Mon: China New Yuan Loans (August)
- Tue: China Industrial Production & Retail Sales YoY (August)
- Fri: Japan Inflation Rate (August), Bank of Japan (BoJ) Interest Rate Decision
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POLL
Which scrap metal category showed the strongest market momentum during the week ended September 10, 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did North American scrap metal prices perform during the week ended September 10, 2026?
The market showed divergent movements across categories. Copper and brass/bronze scrap generally weakened, aluminum advanced across most tracked grades, lead and zinc remained stable, and steel scrap prices were unchanged. Stainless steel was the notable stronger performer, with most major grades moving higher.
- What happened to copper scrap prices during the reporting week?
Copper scrap prices showed a generally weak trend in North America, with #1 Copper Bare Bright falling 2.14%, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing declining 2.17%, and #2 Copper Wire and Tubing dropping 2.20%. #3 Copper-Light Copper recorded the steepest decline at 2.24%. Some other copper-bearing categories, including Scrap Electric Motors, Sealed Units, Starters and Alternators, nevertheless recorded increases.
- Why did ferrous scrap prices remain stable?
Steel scrap prices held steady as market conditions remained balanced. #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20 and #1 Busheling all recorded zero week-on-week movement in the overall North American assessment. U.S. raw steel production was 1.808 million net tons for the week ended September 5, with capacity utilization at 78.30%, providing a relatively stable demand backdrop.
- 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.
