Scrap metal prices

Scrap metal prices play a critical role in the global recycling industry. They represent the current market value of various discarded metals such as copper, aluminium, steel, brass and more. These prices fluctuate frequently because of international demand, economic trends, raw material shortages, and even geopolitical conditions. Whether you’re an importer, exporter, recycler or end-user, staying updated on scrap metal prices is essential to making smart trade decisions and protecting your margins. That’s why professionals across the globe monitor price changes closely, right from the beginning of each trade negotiation to final delivery. Scrap metal prices affect every link in the supply chain, from the scrapyard to the smelter and beyond, so understanding them from the outset is key.

The term “scrap prices” refers to the amount a buyer is willing to pay for recyclable metal at any given time. These values are not fixed they’re shaped by numerous external factors like supply and demand imbalances, currency fluctuations, regional policies, energy costs and industrial output. For example, copper scrap often surges in value when global construction activity or electronics manufacturing picks up, because both industries rely heavily on copper components. Aluminium, on the other hand, may rise in price when energy costs spike, since it’s energy-intensive to produce.

Unlike primary commodities traded on futures markets, scrap prices are also affected by quality and logistics. Cleaner, purer scrap with consistent chemistry will fetch a better price than mixed or contaminated loads. Transport costs, trade restrictions and the reliability of the trading partner also matter. This means even within the same material category, prices can vary greatly.

Copper scrap price

Copper remains the most valuable material in the world of scrap metal prices, consistently attracting high returns due to its essential role in construction, power grids, electronics and electric vehicles. Copper scrap prices fluctuate based on global infrastructure demand, mining output, and energy costs, so traders need to monitor them closely. Bare bright copper wire, clean and uncoated commands the highest prices, while mixed or insulated scrap typically trades lower due to extra processing requirements. Because pricing is also affected by location, logistics, and supply chain delays, the smartest traders look beyond surface rates. Tradefox users gain a clear advantage by viewing real-time copper prices alongside verified trade reviews and supplier histories, helping them spot reliable deals, avoid overpaying, and reduce risk. In today’s unpredictable metals market, knowing who you’re buying from is just as critical as knowing the scrap prices themselves.

Copper wire scrap price

Among all copper grades, wire scrap, especially bare bright copper wire is the most valuable and sought-after category in scrap metal prices. Because it’s pure, unalloyed, and easy to recycle, the copper wire scrap price often sets the benchmark for high-grade copper in the market. Clean, stripped wire without insulation consistently commands top-tier rates, while insulated or mixed wire trades lower due to the labor and cost of separating materials. Price fluctuations are driven by copper futures, industrial demand, and scrap supply from construction and electrical sectors. Even small batches of bare bright wire can deliver significant returns if sourced clean and sorted properly. 

Aluminium scrap price

Aluminium plays a large role in global trade and is a core category in scrap metal prices because of its lightweight properties and broad industrial use. It’s found in everything from beverage cans and window frames to aircraft parts and automotive components, making it one of the most commonly recycled metals worldwide. The aluminium scrap price is influenced by global energy prices, transportation costs, and regional recycling demand, especially in sectors like packaging and construction. Clean aluminium scrap, such as extrusions or sheet scrap, typically trades higher than painted or mixed grades that require more processing. Because pricing can vary significantly by region and scrap type, buyers and sellers need reliable reference points to negotiate fairly. On Tradefox, users can monitor current aluminium scrap trends and compare offers with supplier reputation data and peer reviews, so they don’t just chase low scrap prices, but also build safer, more profitable trading relationships.

Stainless steel scrap price

Stainless steel is a high-demand material in the scrap metal prices landscape because it combines durability, corrosion resistance, and value, especially in industrial and manufacturing sectors. Its pricing is largely tied to the global cost of its core components, such as nickel and chromium, which can fluctuate based on mining output, geopolitical shifts, and manufacturing cycles. The stainless steel scrap price varies by grade, with 304 and 316 types being the most valuable due to their higher alloy content. Clean, uncontaminated stainless scrap commands better rates than mixed or dirty loads that need reprocessing. As infrastructure projects and stainless-heavy industries grow, so does interest in this category of scrap. Tradefox users benefit from more than just a number, they get real-time pricing data paired with company ratings and past trade insights, helping them evaluate not just competitive scrap prices, but also the trustworthiness of trading partners offering them.

Brass scrap price

Brass holds a steady position in the hierarchy of scrap metal prices, thanks to its durability, recyclability, and widespread use in plumbing, electrical components, fixtures, and decorative items. Made primarily from copper and zinc, the brass scrap price often moves in line with copper markets, though it’s generally lower due to alloying and contamination levels. Yellow brass, which is common in valves and fittings, typically commands higher prices than mixed or dirty brass, which may contain coatings or residues. Market demand from construction and manufacturing sectors also influences pricing, as does the availability of clean, sorted material. Since brass often appears in older infrastructure and consumer goods, its recovery potential is high, but valuation depends on both grade and source. On Tradefox, users can track current brass scrap prices and review counterparties before closing deals, combining up-to-date market intelligence with trust-based insights to minimize risk and maximize return.

Steel scrap price

Steel remains one of the most traded commodities globally, and its role in scrap metal prices is both dominant and complex. As a key raw material for construction, automotive production, and heavy machinery, the steel scrap price is highly sensitive to shifts in industrial activity, energy costs, and global trade flows. Prices are also influenced by steel mill demand, scrap availability, and regulatory changes, especially export controls or tariffs in major regions. While ferrous scrap generally trades at lower values than non-ferrous metals like copper or aluminium, its sheer volume makes it a cornerstone of the recycling economy. Clean, sorted grades such as HMS (Heavy Melting Steel) or shredded scrap are priced higher than mixed or contaminated batches. Tradefox helps users stay competitive by providing current steel scrap prices along with peer-reviewed insights into supplier reliability, so decisions are made with clarity, not just cost in mind.

Iron scrap prices

Iron is one of the most recycled materials on the planet, forming a significant part of global scrap metal prices due to its abundance and demand in construction, automotive manufacturing, and infrastructure. The iron scrap price tends to follow trends in the steel market, but it’s typically priced lower because of its lower alloy content and broader availability. Factors like industrial output, energy costs, and shipping logistics all influence price movements, while regional policies, such as export restrictions can create temporary spikes or dips. Clean, heavy iron scrap fetches better rates than mixed or rusted material, and bulk loads often benefit from more favorable pricing. 

Lead scrap price