Market Overview
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Copper Scrap Prices in North America
In the United States, the Copper Scrap Price Index declined slightly over the quarter due to softer manufacturing demand and destocking.
Copper Scrap Spot Price remained correlated with LME futures, while Copper Scrap Production Cost Trend moved upward from higher labor, energy, and compliance costs.
Copper Scrap Price Forecast suggests gradual recovery as secondary smelters restock ahead of summer construction season.
Copper Scrap Demand Outlook shows moderate weakness from housing slowdowns but stable support from electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects.
Export flows to Asia faced logistical delays, tightening domestic availability and limiting downside pressure on spot pricing.
Seasonal yard closures in Canada reduced scrap inflows, tightening supply and supporting the regional Price Index.
Why did the price of Copper Scrap change in March 2026 in North America?
March prices decreased due to reduced industrial utilization in the Midwest and lower LME copper benchmarks, which pulled scrap valuations lower.
Rising production costs from stricter emissions compliance and freight surcharges cushioned the downside, preventing a sharper fall in the Copper Scrap Price Index.
Copper Scrap Prices in APAC
In India, the Copper Scrap Price Index rose by 20.8 % quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter imports.
The average Copper Scrap price for the quarter was approximately USD 12780.33/MT according to reports.
Copper Scrap Spot Price tracked LME; Copper Scrap Production Cost Trend rose from compliance, freight.
Copper Scrap Price Forecast indicates moderate firming as import disruptions and mine outages tighten supply.
Copper Scrap Demand Outlook stays firm from infrastructure and renewable projects, supporting the Price Index.
Inventory builds at major yards cushioned supply shocks, moderating Copper Scrap Spot Price movements week-to-week.
Export demand from Southeast Asia and China increased competition for tonnage, tightening availability, supporting bids.
Policy shifts and safeguard duty lobbying elevated uncertainty, prompting pre-emptive buying and compressing bid-ask spreads.
Why did the price of Copper Scrap change in March 2026 in APAC?
March prices moved due to duty removal expanding imports, widening inventories and pressuring domestic quotations.
Escalating freight, security surcharges and continuous-emission compliance increased processing costs, supporting occasional moderate price rebounds.
Mine outages and LME strength redirected buyers to scrap, tightening feedstock and lifting spot bids.
Copper Scrap Prices in Europe
In Germany and Benelux, the Copper Scrap Price Index rose modestly quarter-over-quarter, supported by tighter collection flows.
Copper Scrap Spot Price followed LME trends, but Copper Scrap Production Cost Trend increased due to power costs and EU recycling compliance rules.
Copper Scrap Price Forecast indicates sideways movement as recessionary headwinds temper demand recovery.
Copper Scrap Demand Outlook is stable but cautious, driven by automotive and wire rod producers maintaining consistent intake.
Export competition from Mediterranean buyers tightened regional availability, lifting spot bids toward quarter-end.
Inventory levels at major European yards fell below seasonal norms, reducing supply elasticity and supporting the Price Index.
Why did the price of Copper Scrap change in March 2026 in Europe?
March prices increased due to a combination of lower scrap generation from winter maintenance shutdowns and restocking by German cable mills.
Energy cost volatility and new EU due diligence reporting added to production cost pressures, encouraging sellers to defend higher price floors.
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