Scrap Metal Prices Canada 2023-2024

Scrap metal prices in Canada have been on a rollercoaster ride in recent years due to several factors. The prices of various types of metals like copper, aluminum, steel, and iron have been affected by global supply and demand trends, economic conditions, government policies, and geopolitical events. In this article, we will analyze the current state of scrap metal prices in Canada and provide insights into the factors driving them.

Overview of Scrap Metal Industry in Canada The scrap metal industry is an essential part of the Canadian economy, with an estimated annual revenue of CAD 12.5 billion. It employs thousands of people across the country, including scrap metal dealers, processors, and recyclers. Canada is the world's 10th largest producer of steel and a major exporter of scrap metal to the US, China, and other countries. The industry is also a significant contributor to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of metal production and conserving natural resources.

Factors Affecting Scrap Metal Prices in Canada Scrap metal prices in Canada are primarily influenced by global supply and demand trends, which are driven by several factors, including:

1. Economic Conditions: The health of the global economy has a significant impact on the demand for scrap metal. When the economy is doing well, there is a higher demand for raw materials, including metals, which leads to higher prices. Conversely, when the economy is in a downturn, the demand for metals decreases, leading to lower prices.

2. Government Policies: Governments around the world have implemented policies to regulate the trade of scrap metal. These policies can affect the supply and demand of scrap metal, thereby impacting the prices. For example, the Canadian government has imposed a ban on the export of scrap metal to non-OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries to curb the illegal trade of scrap metal.

3. Geopolitical Events: Geopolitical events such as wars, trade tensions, and natural disasters can have a significant impact on scrap metal prices. For example, the trade war between the US and China has led to a decrease in the demand for scrap metal, which has resulted in lower prices.

4. Supply and Demand: The supply and demand of scrap metal are the primary drivers of prices. When there is a high supply of scrap metal and low demand, prices will fall, and vice versa.

Current Scrap Metal Prices in Canada The prices of scrap metal in Canada are constantly changing due to the factors mentioned above. The following are the current average prices for some of the most commonly traded types of scrap metal in Canada, according to ScrapMonster:

As can be seen from the table, the prices of copper are the highest, followed by brass and aluminum. Stainless steel and lead have relatively lower prices, while iron has the lowest price among all the metals.