US Scrap Trends Outlook: May

North American ferrous scrap prices are due a further downward correction in May following drops incurred on cut grades and shredded scrap in April; primes trended sideways over the period

Outlook for steel scrap price in May

The bearish sentiment pushed the Trend Indicator into negative territory for May. The Outlook’s prediction model suggests that steel scrap prices have the potential to fall even further in May.

Well over half of respondents to the survey expect steel scrap prices to trend lower, while 29% forecast that prices would remain sideways. Half of respondents said weaker demand would be the main driver, while 20% pointed to unchanged market conditions.

Demand drivers for steel scrap prices

Shredded scrap prices are expected to fall the most sharply amid strong supply flows. The outlook for prime grades remains unclear, with demand for No1 busheling reportedly still strong in some regions.

The overall trend consensus edged higher — to 59% — compared with 57% in April, suggesting that confidence in the market’s direction has improved. The three-month Indicator was in bearish territory, and the six-month Indicator was also negative. Learn more.

Make sense of the US steel scrap market and track the critical indicators impacting steel scrap price movements in our May outlook.

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This price is a part of the Fastmarkets scrap package. For more information on our North America Ferrous Scrap methodology and specifications please click here. To get in touch about access to this price assessment, please contact customer.success@fastmarkets.com.
This consultation was done as an adhoc methodology review process, aiming to better reflect the physical market under indexation, considering its reduced liquidity linked to the combination of seasonal demand patterns and the implementation of cross-border import tariffs between the US and China. No feedback was received during the consultation period and therefore Fastmarkets will […]
Here are the key takeaways from market participants on US ferrous scrap metal prices, market confidence, inventory and more from our July survey.
The prices are: The changes were made in order to ensure that the liquidity and price volatility in these markets is adequately captured. The changes were welcomed by market participants seeking more granular coverage and increased transparency. In the UK, the decline of domestic steelmaking means the scrap market is dominated by exports. Exporters told Fastmarkets that […]