Analysis
September 22, 2026
Written by Stephen Miller
The scrap market for October is looking for direction as some participants on both sides of the furnace are indicating scrap prices are poised for an increase. However, it is debatable if any increase will occur as early as next month, despite increased fuel costs and a rising export market.
SMU spoke with a steel mill source who believes October will be a strong market based on mill demand.
SMU’s latest Flat-Rolled Steel Buyers Survey shows that in a tight US market marked by long lead times, low inventories, and rising prices, foreign products continue to gain the interest of domestic buyers.
Domestic raw steel output fell to a six-month low last week after hitting a multi-year high one week earlier, according to the latest American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) figures.
The domestic plate market is showing few signs of relief for steel buyers. Lead times are stretching well beyond seasonal norms, spot availability has all but evaporated, and mills are drawing hard lines on contract volumes heading into 2027 negotiations.
SSAB Americas announced immediate changes to pricing extras on select products, according to a letter sent to customers Friday morning.