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    January 13, 2026

    Ferrous Scrap Market Chatter in January

    Written by Ethan Bernard

    Every month, SMU polls participants in the ferrous scrap market on a variety of topics. These include prices, business conditions, and tariffs, among others.

    These responses came in as the January scrap market was settling. SMU has reported that prices rose in January. Looks like that matched the general feel of the market: In our most recent survey, 73% saw January tags on prime grades rising, with 27% saying they would be sideways.

    Ethan Bernard

    Ethan Bernard is managing editor for Steel Market Update. He previously worked for American Metal Market as a copy editor in the New York office for two years, starting in 2008. Later, he copy edited AMM’s monthly magazine on a freelance basis from 2015 until 2017. With experience in financial copywriting and textbook publishing, he holds a BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and an MFA in Creative Writing from New York University. He can be reached at ethan@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7871.

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