Iron and steel scrap prices in the United States stood at around *** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2024, down from *** dollars per ton a year earlier. This is the fourth consecutive annual decrease recorded. Steel scrap consumption The majority of domestic steel industry scrap consumption is from manufacturers of raw steel, and steel castings. These raw materials are used to produce steel products that are used for appliances, construction, machinery, and transportation, among other industry uses. Only small amounts of steel scrap were used for the production of ferroalloys, copper precipitation, and the chemical industry. Recycling scrap Recycled iron and steel scrap materials have been essential for the production of new steel and cast iron products. Vehicles are one of the largest sources of old steel scrap used for recycling and nearly 100 percent of cars are recycled for their scrap material. It is expected that the recycling rate for scrap materials from appliances and construction purposes should rise, especially as public interest for recycling grows and profitability increases.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Iron and Steel Scrap (WPU1012) from Jan 1947 to May 2025 about iron, steel, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Stainless and Other Alloy Steel Scrap was 441.08300 Index Dec 1986=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Stainless and Other Alloy Steel Scrap reached a record high of 845.43200 in March of 2022 and a record low of 100.00000 in December of 1986. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Stainless and Other Alloy Steel Scrap - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Nonferrous Scrap (WPU1023) from Jan 1947 to May 2025 about nonferrous metals, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Other Ferrous Scrap (WPU10121501) from Jun 2006 to Jul 2024 about metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Copper fell to 5.45 USD/Lbs on July 14, 2025, down 1.52% from the previous day. Over the past month, Copper's price has risen 13.70%, and is up 20.47% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Copper - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Steel fell to 3,086 CNY/T on July 11, 2025, down 0.61% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has risen 5.22%, but it is still 6.46% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Steel - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Scrap Bundles was 276.94300 Index Jun 1996=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Scrap Bundles reached a record high of 522.80000 in July of 2008 and a record low of 54.80000 in November of 2001. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Scrap Bundles - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: No. 1 Copper Scrap, Including Wire (WPU10230101) from Dec 1986 to May 2025 about copper, wired, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Interactive chart of historical daily COMEX copper prices back to 1971. The price shown is in U.S. Dollars per pound.

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Scrap Metal Recycling Market Size 2025-2029

The scrap metal recycling market size is forecast to increase by USD 20.39 billion at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing environmental and sustainability pressures. Governments and businesses worldwide are recognizing the importance of reducing waste and minimizing the carbon footprint, leading to a rise in demand for scrap metal recycling. Advanced sorting technologies and AI-driven recycling processes are revolutionizing the industry, enabling more efficient and effective recovery of valuable metals from scrap. Machining shop equipment, including chip conveyors, coolant filtration systems, balers, shredders, and granulators, plays a crucial role in metal machining operations by collecting, transporting, and disposing of metal chips and debris. However, the market also faces challenges.
Producers must invest in advanced technologies and implement rigorous quality control measures to mitigate these challenges and maintain the integrity of their recycled products. Companies that can navigate these challenges effectively and capitalize on the growing demand for scrap metal recycling will be well-positioned to succeed in this dynamic market. Contamination and quality issues persist as a major obstacle. The presence of impurities in scrap metal can impact the quality of the recycled product and reduce its market value. The recycling system's integration into various industries, such as construction materials, automotive, and electronics, contributes to waste management initiatives and reduces the reliance on virgin materials.

What will be the Size of the Scrap Metal Recycling Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market is characterized by intricate global supply chains and a growing emphasis on sustainability reporting. Recycling infrastructure plays a crucial role in optimizing price and ensuring traceability of alloy compositions through the use of big data and data analytics. Artificial intelligence (AI) and sensor technologies facilitate material passports, compliance reporting, and circular economy initiatives. Policy analysis and predictive modeling aid in risk management and due diligence, while stakeholder engagement and inventory management contribute to carbon offsetting. Environmental impact assessments and compliance audits are essential for melt shops and metal remediation processes.

Scrap metal classification, digital twinning, and metal grading are essential for fraud detection and demand forecasting. Remote monitoring and public awareness campaigns further enhance the transparency and efficiency of scrap metal trading. Aluminum alloys, heat sinks, and radiators are prominent in the technology sector, while aluminum cans and food containers are common in the consumer goods industry.

How is this Scrap Metal Recycling Industry segmented?

The scrap metal recycling industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Material

  Ferrous metals
  Non-ferrous metals


Application

  Construction
  Industrial goods
  Automotive
  Consumer goods


Method

  Mechanical recycling
  Thermal recycling
  Advanced tech
  Chemical recycling


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    Germany
    Russia
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    Turkey


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Material Insights

The Ferrous metals segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market is driven by the extensive utilization of ferrous metals, particularly steel and cast iron, in various industries. These metals, recognized for their iron content, are recycled in significant quantities through various processes. Ferrous scrap is categorized into three primary sources: obsolete scrap, prompt scrap, and heavy melting steel (HMS). Obsolete scrap emerges from end-of-life products, such as decommissioned vehicles, discarded appliances, and dismantled infrastructure. Prompt scrap, also known as industrial scrap, is generated as a byproduct of manufacturing processes, including steel mill offcuts and machining residues. HMS encompasses large steel components, including beams, structural frameworks, and shredded automotive bodies.

Optical sorting technology plays a crucial role in the recycling process, ensuring efficient separation of different types of metals. The recycling industry's environmental footprint is a growing concern, with carbon emission

About This Dataset: Copper Prices and Market Trends

    This dataset provides **insights into copper prices**, including current rates, historical trends, and key factors affecting price fluctuations. Copper is essential in **construction**, **electronics**, and **transportation** industries. Investors, traders, and analysts use accurate copper price data to guide decisions related to **trading**, **futures**, and **commodity investments**.

    ### **Key Features of the Dataset**

    #### **Live Market Data and Updates**
    Stay updated with the latest **copper price per pound** in USD. This data is sourced from exchanges like the **London Metal Exchange (LME)** and **COMEX**. Price fluctuations result from **global supply-demand shifts**, currency changes, and geopolitical factors.

    #### **Interactive Copper Price Charts**
    Explore **dynamic charts** showcasing real-time and historical price movements. These compare copper with **gold**, **silver**, and **aluminium**, offering insights into **market trends** and inter-metal correlations.

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    #### **1. Supply and Demand Dynamics**
    Global copper supply is driven by mining activities in regions like **Peru**, **China**, and the **United States**. Disruptions in production or policy changes can cause **supply shocks**. On the demand side, **industrial growth** in countries like **India** and **China** sustains demand for copper.

    #### **2. Economic and Industry Trends**
    Copper prices often reflect **economic trends**. The push for **renewable energy** and **electric vehicles** has boosted long-term demand. Conversely, economic downturns and **inflation** can reduce demand, lowering prices.

    #### **3. Impact of Currency and Trade Policies**
    As a globally traded commodity, copper prices are influenced by **currency fluctuations** and **tariff policies**. A strong **US dollar** typically suppresses copper prices by increasing costs for international buyers. Trade tensions can also disrupt **commodity markets**.

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    ### **Copper Price Comparisons with Other Metals**

    Copper prices often correlate with those of **industrial** and **precious metals**:

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    These correlations help traders develop **hedging strategies** and **investment models**.

    ### **Data Variables and Availability**

    Key metrics include:

    - **Copper Price Per Pound:** The current market price in USD. 
    - **Copper Futures Price:** Data from **COMEX** futures contracts. 
    - **Historical Price Trends:** Long-term movements, updated regularly. 

    Data is available in **CSV** and **JSON** formats, enabling integration with analytical tools and platforms.

    ### **Conclusion**

    Copper price data is crucial for **monitoring global commodity markets**. From **mining** to **investment strategies**, copper impacts industries worldwide. Reliable data supports **risk management**, **planning**, and **economic forecasting**.

    For more tools and data, visit the **Money Metals** [Copper Prices Page](https://www.moneymetals.com/copper-prices).

The global sales of recycled scrap metal is estimated at USD 75.5 billion in 2025. Revenue is projected to rise steadily at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025 to 2035, reaching USD 149.9 billion by the end of the forecast period.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 75.5 billion
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 149.9 billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	7.1%

Analyzing Recycled Scrap Metal Market by Top Investment Segments

Metal Type	Value Share (2035)
Ferrous Metals	72.5%

Metal Type	Value Share (2035)
Building & Construction	15.6%

Semi-annual Update

Particular	Value CAGR
H1	6.1% (2024 to 2034)
H2	7.5% (2024 to 2034)
H1	6.5% (2025 to 2035)
H2	7.7% (2025 to 2035)

Country-wise Insights

Countries	Value CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	6.5%
UK	7.9%
China	6.9%
Japan	7.3%
India	7.6%

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Shredded Carbon Steel Scrap was 229.72000 Index Jun 1996=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Shredded Carbon Steel Scrap reached a record high of 375.23600 in April of 2022 and a record low of 56.10000 in November of 2001. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Shredded Carbon Steel Scrap - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Aluminum Base Scrap (WPU102302) from Jan 1960 to May 2025 about aluminum, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The Metal Recycling industry in China has grown over the past five years. Industry revenue is expected to rise at an annualized 1.4% over the five years through 2024, to $58.8 billion. This trend includes anticipated growth of 2.0% in the current year. Although growth in the Chinese economy has slowed, rising urbanization has raised demand for industry products and services. Large downstream markets like automobile, and equipment & machinery manufacturing sectors have continued to develop and driven industry growth over the period. Prior to the current five-year period, industry revenue growth slowed as the effects of government controls on the real estate sector reduced both demand and supply for scrap metals.This industry has low margins and high purchase costs. Margins depend on a variety of factors, including world steel prices, scrap metal prices and downstream demand from major markets like construction. Profit has increased slightly over the past five years and is expected to account for 5.7% of industry revenue in 2024. Since 2021, the Government has issued the Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of a Green and Low Carbon Recycling Development Economic System, the Fourteenth Five Year Industrial Green Development Plan and the Fourteenth Five Year Industrial Development Plan for Raw Materials. The policy clearly requires strengthening the recycling of renewable resources.Industry revenue is projected to grow at an annualized rate of 1.4% over the five years through 2029 to $63.2 billion. Ongoing urbanization, new construction in rural areas, and government assistance to the industry are anticipated to be the main drivers of growth. Competing imports have a positive impact on both environmental protection and economic benefits. Importing scrap metals can increase domestic metal resource reserves. This can also reduce the mining of ores and protect nature. Competing imports are estimated to increase at an average rate of 6.5% in the next five years. As recycling technology in China for waste resources becomes increasingly advanced, exports will decrease. Exports are expected to decrease at an average rate of 2.1% in the next five years.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Yellow Brass Scrap (WPU10230103) from Dec 1986 to May 2025 about metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The average price of aluminum fluctuated in recent year and increased significantly since 2020. In 2022, the average price was the metal was 2,795 U.S. dollars per metric ton, compared to 1,704 U.S. dollars in 2020.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Scrap (WPU101211) from Dec 1986 to May 2025 about steel, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The global scrap metal baler market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for recycled materials and stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing landfill waste. The market, currently valued at approximately $2.5 billion in 2025 (this is an estimated value based on typical market sizes for similar industrial equipment and provided CAGR), is projected to witness a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors, including the rising production of scrap metal across various industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics. The escalating prices of raw materials further incentivize increased metal recycling, boosting the demand for efficient scrap metal balers. Advancements in baler technology, including the development of higher-capacity, energy-efficient models and automated systems, are also contributing to market expansion. Different baler types cater to diverse needs; single, double, and triple action balers offer varying levels of compaction and throughput depending on the application and scale of operation. The e-waste sector presents a significant growth opportunity due to its increasing volume of recyclable metals. The market segmentation reveals a diverse landscape, with single-action balers holding a considerable market share due to their affordability and suitability for smaller-scale operations. However, double and triple-action balers are gaining traction in larger recycling facilities due to their superior compaction capabilities and productivity. Geographically, North America and Europe currently dominate the market, owing to established recycling infrastructure and stringent environmental norms. However, Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, are emerging as key growth regions, propelled by rapid industrialization and increasing awareness of sustainable practices. Despite the positive growth outlook, challenges such as fluctuating scrap metal prices and the initial high investment costs associated with advanced baler technologies could pose certain restraints on market expansion. Nevertheless, ongoing technological innovation and the growing emphasis on sustainable waste management practices are expected to sustain the market's positive trajectory throughout the forecast period. This in-depth report provides a comprehensive overview of the global scrap metal baler market, projecting a market value exceeding $2.5 billion by 2030. It analyzes market dynamics, key players, and future growth potential, focusing on crucial aspects for industry professionals and investors. Keywords: Scrap Metal Baler, Recycling Equipment, Metal Recycling, Waste Management, Industrial Balers, E-Waste Recycling, Automotive Scrap Recycling, Construction Scrap Recycling, Single Action Baler, Double Action Baler, Triple Action Baler.