Recycled steel price gains signal January upside for U.S. scrap markets

U.S. mills drive recycled steel price gains into year-end

Recycled steel price gains strengthened during late November and December across U.S. scrap markets.
RMDAS data from MSA Inc. showed mills paid $14 to $23 per ton more for key grades.
Electric arc furnace mills maintained steady buying amid solid domestic steel demand.
Meanwhile, overseas buyers added pressure through active export inquiries.

Prompt scrap prices rose $14 per ton across busheling and bundle grades.
Mills also paid $20 more for No. 1 heavy melting steel.
Shredded scrap posted the strongest increase at $24 per ton.

Winter weather tightens supply as recycled steel price gains extend

Recycled steel price gains now face further support from winter supply disruptions.
Snow and ice slowed scrap flows across major U.S. cities during the holiday period.
Scrap generators reduced output at factories, construction sites, and demolition projects.

A winter storm dropped up to nine inches of snow across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
At the same time, Northern Europe faced similar collection and shipping delays.
European disruptions matter because exporters supply key consuming regions.

Turkey and exports amplify recycled steel price gains outlook

Navigate Commodities analyst Atilla Widnell expects higher January settlements.
He reported mills may pay another $20 per ton during early January negotiations.
He cited U.S. steel demand, winter weather, and strong Turkish EAF operations.

Turkey operated 31 EAF mills near 96 percent capacity utilization last week.
Satellite heat mapping showed mills running aggressively to capture rebar margins.
As a result, Turkish buyers may rush to book U.S. bulk scrap cargoes.

Widnell projected January settlements could rise $20 to $40 per ton.
Exporters may also push prices as Turkish demand accelerates.
Recyclers may stage flows and secure trucking early to capture spot strength.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Recycled steel price gains reflect a rare alignment of weather, demand, and global mill activity.
EAF utilization in Turkey now acts as a leading indicator for U.S. scrap pricing.
As winter deepens, disciplined scrap flow management could unlock premium margins.
SuperMetalPrice expects volatility to remain elevated through January negotiations.