Copper Steady, Aluminum Soft in North American Scrap Metal Market

The North American scrap metal market experienced mixed price movements across major categories during the week of August 21-27, 2026. Copper scrap prices were largely steady, with several grades unchanged, while most others posted modest gains.

Copper scrap benefited from steady demand from wire, cable, and fabrication industries, with limited availability of high-grade material providing support. Sealed Units and Starters led the advance with increases of 3.64% each.

Aluminum scrap remained under pressure, with most grades declining, though several categories held steady. Brass and bronze scrap moved higher, while lead scrap prices were unchanged. Zinc scrap edged up, with New Zinc Die Cast and Old Zinc Die Cast posting gains of 1.10% and 1.19%, respectively.

The global steel scrap benchmarks were flat, and stainless steel scrap, except for 201 SS, saw slight increases. The ferrous market was broadly stable, with #1 HMS, Shredded Auto Scrap, HMS 80/20, and #1 Busheling unchanged.