“How much are you paying for my metal today?” It’s the most commonly asked question we get, and for good reason – you want to know how much you’ll get paid after you get weighed. However, the answer is not so simple. Scrap metal prices are determined by a complex interplay of factors, including the global supply and demand for scrap metal, the price of raw materials, and the cost of transportation and processing. Keep reading to learn more about all of the scrap metal pricing factors!

The Global Supply and Demand for Scrap Metal

The global supply and demand for scrap metal is the most important factor affecting scrap metal prices. When demand for scrap metal is high, prices go up. When demand is low, prices go down.

Demand for scrap metal can be driven by a number of factors, including the economic health of the world, the construction industry, and the automotive industry. When the economy is doing well, businesses and consumers tend to spend more money, which increases demand for new products. This, in turn, increases demand for scrap metal, which is used to make new products.

The Price of Raw Materials

The price of raw materials, such as iron ore and copper, also affects scrap metal prices. When the price of raw materials goes up, the price of scrap metal also goes up. This is because scrap metal is used to make new products, and the higher the price of raw materials, the higher the demand is for recycled metal as an alternative.

The Cost of Transportation and Processing

The cost of transportation and processing also affects scrap metal prices. The more it costs to transport and process scrap metal, the higher the price will be. This is because the scrap metal dealer has to make a profit, so they need to cover the cost of transportation and processing.

As you can see, it can get complicated. However – you don’t need to worry about making these complex calculations yourself… just give us a call! 

Contact Us to Get an Exact Scrap Metal Pricing Quote!

The best way to get an exact scrap metal pricing quote is to contact us. We will be able to give you an up-to-date estimate based on the current market conditions and the condition of your scrap metal.

Questions? Want to get a quote? Call us at 804-271-1239! You can also send us a message on Facebook or fill out a form on the Contact Us page.

Happy scrapping, RVA!