Analysis
January 2, 2026
Winter weather a factor as scrap market debates January pricing
Written by Stephen Miller
As the new year begins, steelmakers in the US are optimistic about their prospects in 2026. They feel Section 232 tariffs will start to work for them. Prices for both long and flat products have been raised. So, the mills have gotten their price. What does this mean for their primary raw material, ferrous scrap?
It may be safe to say the scrap industry has seen scant benefits from the 232 tariffs on steel imports, either 25% or 50%. Over the last three years, prices for ferrous scrap have risen briefly during the winter months. Prices then began their yearlong descent into the late fourth quarter, before jumping sharply ($80-100 per gross ton) and then dying down as the process repeats.
