Market Trends & Price History
Track scrap metal market movements. Benchmark prices update daily based on commodity exchanges — Comex for copper, LME for aluminum and non-ferrous metals, domestic indices for ferrous.
Current Benchmark Prices
Updated daily · These are commodity exchange benchmarks, not yard buy prices. Your actual payout is the benchmark minus the yard's processing spread.
| Metal | Price |
|---|---|
| benchmarks | $0.0000 |
Understanding What Moves Scrap Prices
Global Manufacturing Demand
China is the world's largest consumer of industrial metals. When Chinese manufacturing contracts expand, metal prices rise. Factory output data from the US, EU, and China all move the market.
Mine Supply & Production
Copper mine strikes, flooding, or operational disruptions reduce supply and push prices up. Smelter closures and refinery outages can create sudden price spikes.
Energy Costs
Aluminum smelting is highly energy-intensive. When electricity prices surge, aluminum prices often follow because primary production costs rise.
US Dollar Strength
Metals are priced in US dollars globally. A stronger dollar makes metals more expensive for foreign buyers, often reducing demand and suppressing prices.
Trade Policy
Tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, or trade disputes with major exporters, can create sharp price movements. The 2018 and 2025 steel tariffs both caused significant domestic price spikes.
Seasonal Patterns
Construction season (spring/summer) drives increased steel and copper demand. Auto shred prices often rise in spring and fall as recyclers process winter accumulations.
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