Copper Soars 10.7% as Non-Ferrous Metals Rally - Scrap Market Update May 13, 2026
Market Overview: Non-Ferrous Metals Drive Scrap Prices Higher
The North American scrap metal market is experiencing a significant divergence, with non-ferrous metals posting impressive gains while ferrous materials remain stable. As of May 13, 2026, copper has emerged as the standout performer, climbing to $6.64 per pound—a remarkable 10.7% increase over the past 30 days.
This surge in non-ferrous pricing is creating profitable opportunities for scrap sellers, particularly those with copper, brass, and aluminum inventory. Meanwhile, precious metals are showing mixed signals amid global economic uncertainty, and ferrous materials are holding steady with signs of potential upside momentum.
Non-Ferrous Metals: The Clear Winners
The non-ferrous sector is experiencing what industry analysts are calling a "fire sale" in reverse, with prices climbing across multiple categories. Copper has been the star performer, with pricing ranging from $6.17 to $6.64 per pound depending on grade and location. This represents not just the 10.7% monthly gain, but positions copper at levels that make even lower-grade copper scrap highly profitable for sellers.
Aluminum has shown more modest but steady growth at $1.66 per pound, up 0.6% for the month. While this increase appears small compared to copper's rally, it represents solid stability in a market known for volatility. Nickel has surged 7% to $8.49 per pound, while lead and zinc have both posted impressive 6-7% gains.
The driving forces behind this non-ferrous rally include supply chain disruptions from geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran, which have spiked oil prices and increased mining costs globally. These elevated energy costs are creating supply constraints that are pushing metal prices higher.
Ferrous Markets: Steady with Upside Potential
While non-ferrous metals capture headlines, ferrous scrap is telling a different story. Steel scrap remains flat at $366 per metric ton, with shredded steel holding at $413 per metric ton—both showing no change over the 30-day period. However, industry indicators suggest this stability may be the calm before a modest storm of upside movement.
May outlook data points to emerging strength in ferrous markets, with busheling prices reportedly up $10-20 per gross ton in key districts. This increase, while modest compared to the non-ferrous surge, represents meaningful profit improvement for sellers with significant ferrous inventory. The stability is being supported by steady export demand and gradual improvements in steel pricing.
Precious Metals: Volatility Amid Safe-Haven Demand
The precious metals sector presents a complex picture of opportunity and risk. Silver has been the standout performer, surging 14.6% to $86.71 per ounce as investors seek safe-haven assets amid concerns about U.S. debt levels approaching $40 trillion and ongoing geopolitical tensions with Iran.
Gold, despite remaining near historically elevated levels around $4,700 per ounce, has pulled back 1.1% as some profit-taking occurs. Palladium has experienced significant volatility, with a notable 9.5% spike related to Russia sanctions creating opportunities for sellers of catalytic converter scrap, though current data shows it down 6% for the month overall.
Key Takeaways
- Copper at 30-day highs: $6.64/lb represents optimal selling conditions for copper scrap
- Non-ferrous momentum: Nickel, lead, and zinc all posting 6-7% gains
- Ferrous stability: Steel scrap flat but showing signs of $10-20/gt increases ahead
- Silver surge: 14.6% monthly gain driven by safe-haven demand
- Geopolitical premium: Iran tensions and oil rally creating supply cost pressures
- Energy costs rising: Higher oil prices increasing mining and processing costs globally
What This Means for Scrap Sellers
Current market conditions strongly favor immediate action on non-ferrous inventory. Copper sellers should prioritize listings now, with bare bright copper targeting $3.40+ per pound and lower grades still commanding premium pricing due to the broad-based rally.
For aluminum and brass inventory, the momentum suggests continued strength, making this an optimal time to convert stockpiled materials into cash. The 8-10% momentum in non-ferrous markets may not sustain indefinitely, particularly if geopolitical tensions ease or oil prices stabilize.
Ferrous sellers face a strategic decision: current pricing offers fair value, but waiting 1-2 weeks for May settlement confirmations could capture the emerging $10-20 per gross ton improvements in busheling and shredded categories.
Catalytic converter and PGM sellers should move quickly to capitalize on palladium volatility, as these sharp price movements tend to be temporary in precious metals markets.
Take Action on Today's Market Opportunities
With non-ferrous metals at multi-month highs and ferrous markets showing signs of improvement, timing your scrap sales has never been more critical. SmashScrap.com's real-time auction platform allows you to capture these price movements as they happen, connecting you with buyers ready to pay premium prices for quality scrap materials. Don't let these market opportunities pass by—list your inventory today and let competitive bidding maximize your returns in this seller-friendly market.
