Scrap Metal Price: Weekly Report- September 26, 2025
Weekly Metal Price Report | 2025-10-03 02:35:52
Exporters in Asia see the 50% tariffs by the U.S. on aluminum and copper as a severe headwind
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (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 September 19–24, 2025, are given in the report that follows:
NON-FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
- Exporters in Asia see the 50% tariffs by the U.S. on aluminum and copper as a severe headwind
- EU aluminum industry urges EC to impose 30% Scrap Export Levy
- Chinese MIIT issues new work plan to stabilize non-ferrous metals growth
Aluminum Scrap Prices
North America
Highlights
- Al/Cu Radiators/Fe (+2.39%), E.C. Aluminum Wire (-0.83%)
Over the previous week, there was a modest increase of 2.39% in Al/Cu Radiators/Fe prices. The weekly chart of the commodity is provided below:
Also, Al/Cu Radiators were up by 2.17% week-on-week.
The only commodity to register weekly decline was E.C. Aluminum Wire, whose prices edged lower by 0.83%.
All other categories held steady
Charts
USA East Coast
The price of Al/Cu Radiators and Al/Cu Radiators/Fe recorded week-on-week rise. E.C. Aluminum Wire reported a decline of 0.83% over the week. All the remaining scrap categories held steady on the Index.
USA Midwest
The price of Al/Cu Radiators edged higher by 2.19%. Also, the prices of Al/Cu Radiators/Fe increased by 2.42%. On the other hand, E.C. Aluminum Wire prices recorded decline.
USA West Coast
The only scrap categories to witness weekly decline in prices were Al/Cu Radiators, Al/Cu Radiators/Fe and E.C. Aluminum Wire.
The prices of Al/Cu Radiators and Al/Cu Radiators/Fe increased, whereas E.C. Aluminum Wire dropped week-over-week
Copper Scrap Prices
North America
Highlights
- All categories recorded increase in price
- Top three gainers: #3 Copper- Light Copper, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing
- Cu/Al Radiator Ends reported the least weekly gain (+1.61%)
The table below provides weekly price fluctuations in #3 Copper- Light Copper, #2 Copper Wire and Tubing, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing.
| Sl No | Category | Start Price | End Price | % Change |
| 1 | #3 Copper- Light Copper | 4.23 | 4.42 | +4.49% |
| 2 | #2 Copper Wire and Tubing | 4.33 | 4.52 | +4.39% |
| 3 | #1 Copper Wire and Tubing | 4.43 | 4.62 | +4.29% |
Charts
USA East Coast
The price of #3 Copper- Light Copper increased the most, rising by 4.49%. The other major gainers were #2 Copper Wire and Tubing and #1 Copper Wire and Tubing, which edged higher by 4.39% and 4.29% respectively.
USA Midwest
As of Thursday, September 25, 2025, the price of #3 Copper- Light Copper on the ScrapMonster Index was up 4.61% for the week, from $4.12 to $4.31 per pound. #2 Copper Wire & Tubing edged higher from the previous week’s closing price of $4.22 to $4.41 per pound. The average price of #1 Copper Wire and Tubing had increased by 4.4% to $4.51 per pound by the conclusion of the week.
USA West Coast
According to the ScrapMonster Index, the price of #3 Copper- Light Copper increased by 4.44% during the week, from $4.28 to $4.47 per pound. Last week, the price of #2 Copper Wire and Tubing was up by 4.34%. By the conclusion of the previous week, #1 Copper Wire and Tubing prices had inched up by 4.24% from $4.48 to $4.67 per pound.
Brass/Bronze Scrap Prices
North America
Highlights
- Broad tone: All categories except Brass Radiator Ends inched up on the Index
- Top movers: Brass Radiator and Rod Borings (+1.84% each)
Over the previous week, Brass Radiator scrap prices moved higher from $2.72 per Lb to $2.77 per Lb. Rod Borings also witnessed similar movement during the previous week. The weekly price charts of these commodities are given below:
In the meantime, Brass Radiator Ends prices were flat week-on-week.
USA East Coast
Over the last week, Brass Radiator and Rod Borings prices recorded maximum gains, rising by 1.84% each. Red Brass's price was up by 1.68%. At the end of the week, Yellow Brass's prices per pound also increased by 1.77%.
USA Midwest
All scrap categories except Brass Radiator Ends recorded jump from the previous week. The Index also showed that the price of Yellow Brass had edged higher by 1.83%. The price of the commodity closed the week at $2.78 per pound.
USA West Coast
Brass Radiator and Rod Borings prices were the top gainers. Red Brass prices were up by 1.63% to end the week at $3.12 per pound as of Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Additionally, Yellow Brass's price per pound recorded a jump of 1.73% from the previous week.
Lead/Zinc Scrap Prices
North America
Highlights
- Lead/Zinc scrap prices held steady on the Index
New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast were unchanged at $0.79 per Lb and $0.66 per Lb respectively.
Lead scrap (Wheel Weights/Solid Lead/Range Lead/Scrap Auto Batteries/Soft Lead) recorded no variation in prices over the week.
Charts
USA East Coast
For the week ending September 24, 2025, the price of scrap auto batteries remained unchanged at $0.24 per pound. The prices of New Zinc Die Cast registered no variation from the previous week’s price of $0.79 per Lb. Also, Old Zinc Die Cast prices were flat over the previous week.
USA Midwest
The price of scrap auto batteries remained steady throughout the week at $0.24 per pound, according to the ScrapMonster Index. The price of New Zinc Die Cast recorded no change during the previous week. The price of Old Zinc Die Cast also held steady when compared with the previous week's price of $0.66 per pound.
USA West Coast
The price of scrap auto batteries remained at $0.24 per pound, same as it had been at the beginning of the week. Throughout the week, the price of New Zinc Die Cast remained flat at $0.79 per pound during the week ended September 24, 2025. Furthermore, there was no change in the price of Old Zinc Die Cast according to the Index. The commodity's price was flat at $0.66 per Lb.
Outlook
- Copper-Market tightness to persist, bullish risks exist
- Aluminum-policy and scrap flows may cause volatility
- Zinc & other metals- to remain sensitive to Chinese end-use
FERROUS SCRAP
Market Drivers
- The U.S. ferrous scrap market shows mild softness or downward bias
- Market commentary from recycling firms suggest cancelled unshipped scrap orders due to high prices/ weak finished steel demand
Steel Scrap Prices
North America
Highlights
- All steel scrap commodities held steady
The table below provides closing price of various steel scrap commodities as of Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
| Sl No | Commodity Name | End Price($/MT) |
| 1 | #1 Bundle | 400 |
| 2 | #1 Busheling | 420 |
| 3 | #1HMS | 320 |
| 4 | HMS80/20 | 265 |
| 5 | Sheet Metal | 235 |
| 6 | Shredded Auto Scrap | 370 |
| 7 | Structural Steel | 320 |
Charts
USA East Coast
According to the ScrapMonster Index, #1 HMS's prices remained stable at $320 per MT throughout the week. The weekly price for Shredded Auto Scrap was $370 per MT, the same as the previous week. Throughout the week, the price of HMS 80/20 remained constant at $265 per MT. Additionally, the #1 Busheling rates in the Index did not change.
USA Midwest
The prices of #1 HMS have not altered in the past week. Shredded Auto Scrap was likewise flat during the week. The HMS 80/20 pricing for the Index stayed at $265 per MT. #1 Busheling remained at $420 per MT in the week ending September 24, 2025.
USA West Coast
Over the previous week, the #1 HMS's price has remained unchanged. The commodity's price remained steady at $320 per MT. Additionally, the price of Shredded Auto Scrap remained steady at $370 per MT throughout the week. HMS 80/20's pricing remained at $265 per MT from the previous week. Additionally, the price of #1 Busheling remained constant at $420 per MT throughout the week.
Stainless Steel Scrap Prices
North America
Highlights
- No weekly variation in prices
The prices of Stainless Steel scrap recorded no change over the previous week.
Chart
USA East Coast
The preceding week, which ended on September 24, 2025, saw no change in the price of 304 SS Solid. The commodity's price was flat at $0.61 per pound.
USA Midwest
There was no change in 304 SS solid prices from week to week. At the end of the week, the Index's prices were $0.61 per pound.
USA West Coast
For the week ending September 24, 2025, 304 SS Solid prices stayed flat at $0.61 a pound.
OUTLOOK
- Tariff impacts will persist until U.S. and trading partners negotiate lasting exemptions; watch developments in upcoming WTO consultations and bilateral talks.
- China and Europe: Continued PMI weakness suggests import volumes may remain subdued through Q4, easing pressure on global metal markets.
- North American auto production: Elevated output levels support steady scrap generation; however, potential mid-2026 production cuts to manage inventories could tighten ferrous flows.
Overall, expect non-ferrous scrap to remain supported by tight import channels and healthy downstream demand, while ferrous markets may face mixed pressures from seasonal supply dips and steady domestic mill purchasing.
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POLL
Which factor is most likely to drive volatility in aluminum scrap prices?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which aluminum scrap category was the only decliner last week?
- E.C. Aluminum Wire (-0.83%).
- What was the least weekly gain among copper scrap categories?
- Cu/Al Radiator Ends (+1.61%).
- Which brass/bronze category showed no change in prices last week?
- Brass Radiator Ends.
