US scrap trends outlook February 2026 signals sustained price strength

The US scrap trends outlook February 2026 points to continued bullish momentum across the ferrous market.
The Trend Indicator climbed to 72.8, the strongest level since April 2022.
As a result, market participants expect further price increases during February.

January prices already rose 6.6% across major US scrap grades.
Meanwhile, forecasts suggest an additional 5.1% increase in February.
Tight supply conditions remain the primary driver behind this upward pressure.

Inventory readings reached 45.6, well below the neutral 50 threshold.
Therefore, mills and traders face persistently limited scrap availability.

US scrap trends outlook February 2026 reflects severe winter disruptions

Severe winter weather continues to disrupt scrap flows across the Midwest.
Cold temperatures slowed collection, intake, and regional logistics.
Consequently, obsolete scrap grades remain especially difficult to source.

Market respondents consistently highlighted frozen yards and stalled transportation.
Moreover, weather conditions reduced inbound volumes at key processing facilities.
These disruptions reinforce supply tightness entering the peak winter period.

Without near-term weather relief, intake levels may stay constrained.
As a result, sellers maintain leverage in ongoing February negotiations.

Diverging sentiment emerges despite bullish scrap fundamentals

The US scrap trends outlook February 2026 also shows diverging market sentiment.
Overall consensus reached 70, which remains above the long-term average.
However, alignment weakened between buyers, brokers, and sellers.

Sellers posted the strongest optimism with a 73.6 indicator reading.
Brokers followed closely at 75.0, reflecting confidence in resale margins.
Meanwhile, buyers trailed at 69.64 despite accepting higher prices.

Lower supply continues to anchor pricing behavior across regions.
Unless intake improves sharply, tight conditions may persist into March.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The US scrap market now reflects structural winter tightness rather than temporary disruption.
Strong indicators suggest price support will extend beyond February.
Strategic buyers may need to secure volumes early to manage cost exposure.