The Davis Index for US brass scrap climbed down for all grades after the Comex market came off another high for the year. Brass scrap flows remain tight but that has had a negligible effect on pricing since most buying for the year is done.
The weekly Davis Index for 360-rod borings decreased by 2.5¢/lb to $2.49.5/lb delivered US consumers and was at $1.925/lb delivered US consumer for brass radiators down by 2¢/lb.
The weekly Davis Index for the C-200 series alloy copper spread tightened by half-a-penny to 13¢/lb under the Comex spot contract. Simultaneously, the C-200 series zinc spread was tighter at 5.8¢/lb, better by 0.1¢/lb under the LME zinc cash contract.
The Comex spot copper contract declined by 6.8¢/lb to $3.552/lb from its close on Dec 18, while the spot LME zinc official contract decreased by $60/mt from Dec 18 to close at $2,775/mt on Wednesday.
Strong ammunition sales due to civil unrest and the impending change in the US White House in January have helped support the brass market for the better part of 2020.