US weekly brass scrap spreads widened by a penny as Comex copper strengthened to its highest point so far this year during the week.
The weekly Davis Index for C-200 series alloy’s copper spread widened by 1¢/lb to 14¢/lb under the Comex copper spot contract. The C-200 series zinc spread widened by 1.1¢/lb to 7.4¢/lb, under the LME zinc cash contract.
The brass market was quiet at the end of the month with limited activity. Trade is expected to resume in early-March as buyers return to the market. However, some mills that have enough material to last them through next month are expected to make only need-based purchases.
Prices for some brass scrap grades soared due to the strong Comex copper market this week. The weekly Davis Index for 360-rod borings increased by 14.5¢/lb to $2.905/lb delivered US consumer. Brass radiators rose by 5.5¢/lb to $2.085/lb delivered during the week.
The Comex spot copper contract settled at $4.094/lb on Friday, up by 28.3¢/lb from a week ago though it corrected from its highest price point this year of $4.19/lb achieved earlier this week. The spot LME zinc official contract declined by $43/mt from Feb 19 to close at $2,821/mt on Friday.