Market Overview
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Brass Scrap Prices in North America
The Brass Scrap Price Index in North America strengthened quarter-over-quarter, supported by steady industrial consumption and tightening scrap availability across key hubs.
The Brass Scrap Spot Price reflected firm sentiment as downstream mills increased procurement amid constrained Honey-grade inflows.
The Brass Scrap Price Forecast remains cautiously optimistic, with stable demand from plumbing, electrical, and automotive component manufacturers.
The Brass Scrap Production Cost Trend moved higher due to elevated energy tariffs, increased labor expenses, and rising inland freight charges.
The Brass Scrap Demand Outlook stayed resilient, supported by construction activity, electrical wiring applications, and OEM restocking cycles.
The Brass Scrap Price Index volatility was moderated by balanced import arrivals and steady downstream purchasing despite credit-cycle pressures.
Inventory levels at major U.S. scrap yards tightened, prompting competitive spot buying from processors.
Export inquiries from Mexico and Canada provided additional support to domestic mills, helping maintain stable operating rates.
Why did the price of Brass Scrap change in March 2026 in North America?
Reduced scrap inflows and tighter Honey-grade availability lifted landed costs, directly supporting the Brass Scrap Price Index.
Higher transportation and energy-linked surcharges increased processors’ breakeven levels, pushing offers upward.
Consistent downstream offtake from plumbing and electrical sectors maintained firm demand, preventing any price softening.
Brass Scrap Prices in APAC
In India, the Brass Scrap Price Index rose by 18.08 % quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter imports and freight
The average Brass Scrap price for the quarter was approximately USD 7696.33/MT, per assessments and port landed-costs
Brass Scrap Spot Price strength reflected limited Honey-grade arrivals, higher insurance and longer Cape-route voyages from Gulf
Brass Scrap Price Forecast remains cautiously bullish as downstream mills maintain procurement despite incremental port-side inventory builds
Brass Scrap Production Cost Trend elevated due to higher electricity tariffs and rising freight, underpinning processors' breakeven
Brass Scrap Demand Outlook supported by plumbing, electrical and automotive segments, plus government infrastructure-driven orders sustaining offtake
Brass Scrap Price Index volatility moderated by balanced import volumes, downstream purchasing amid credit and substitution pressures
Inventory levels at Jamnagar yards tightened below 20 days, prompting spot competition and importers buying
Export demand from Bangladesh and UAE cushioned domestic slump, keeping mills at capacity despite higher costs
Why did the price of Brass Scrap change in March 2026 in APAC?
Reduced import arrivals and longer Cape-route transits tightened availability, directly lifting landed Brass Scrap landed costs
Higher freight and insurance surcharges increased importers' breakevens, transmitting cost pressure into domestic scrap offers
Steady downstream offtake from plumbing and electrical sectors maintained firm demand, offsetting substitution headwinds partially
Brass Scrap Prices in Europe
The Brass Scrap Price Index in Europe softened slightly as improved scrap arrivals and easing logistics pressures increased material availability.
The Brass Scrap Spot Price reflected subdued sentiment due to slower procurement from mills in Germany, Italy, and Eastern Europe.
The Brass Scrap Price Forecast indicates a neutral trend as downstream buyers adopt cautious purchasing strategies amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
The Brass Scrap Production Cost Trend moderated with lower energy prices and improved freight conditions across major EU ports.
The Brass Scrap Demand Outlook remained stable, supported by electrical components, precision engineering, and limited restocking from OEMs.
The Brass Scrap Price Index fluctuations were contained by balanced supply, although substitution pressures persisted in certain end-use sectors.
Inventory levels at European yards remained adequate, reducing urgency among buyers and keeping spot activity muted.
Export demand from North Africa and Turkey provided marginal support but did not significantly alter domestic sentiment.
Why did the price of Brass Scrap change in March 2026 in Europe?
Increased scrap arrivals and smoother port operations improved availability, exerting downward pressure on the Brass Scrap Price Index.
Lower energy and freight costs reduced processors’ breakeven levels, softening domestic offers.
Slower downstream demand from engineering and electrical sectors contributed to reduced spot competition.
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Product Description
Brass scrap is recycled from a vast range of products, including plumbing fixtures (faucets, valves), gears and bearings, musical instruments (trumpets, saxophones), spent ammunition casings, decorative hardware (door handles, light fixtures), and low-pressure fittings. Brass is a copper-zinc alloy, often with small additions of lead to improve machinability. Recycling brass scrap is highly efficient: it consumes approximately 90% less energy than producing new brass from virgin copper and zinc ore, while retaining the metal's excellent machinability, acoustic properties, corrosion resistance, and attractive golden appearance. Scrap is sorted by type—most commonly yellow brass, red brass (higher copper content), or semi-red—and then remelted, alloying ingredients adjusted, and cast into ingots or directly into new products. The recycled brass industry forms a mature circular economy, turning old plumbing and decorations into new components.
