AMU Survey: UBC stability expected despite firmer Class scrap and mixed premium signals

Used beverage can (UBC) prices did not shift much by the end of November, even as the broader aluminum complex moved higher and Class scrap designations firmed more noticeably.

“Street merchant” prices for UBCs sat in the low-to-mid-90¢/lb range on an outright basis in late November, only slightly above October, while the Midwest transaction price moved up again on the back of a higher LME and a stronger Midwest premium.

Nicholas Bell

Nicholas brings over half a decade of experience covering metals markets, pricing trends, and supply chain dynamics. Prior to joining AMU, he reported on aluminum, high-temperature scrap, and ferro-alloy markets at Argus Media, with additional coverage of minor metals and rare earths. His work has built deep expertise in North American metals pricing and trade flows. A native of Houston, Nicholas holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Production and an MBA with a concentration in Finance, both from the University of Houston.