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US scrap trends outlook: August 2025

Here are the key takeaways from market participants on US ferrous scrap metal prices, market confidence, inventory and more from our August survey

August 5, 2025
By the Fastmarkets team
Ferrous scrap Scrap and secondary United States

August 2025 – slight upward bias in an otherwise flat market

The scrap market sentiment for August indicates a marginally positive outlook, with the Trend Indicator at 52.3, suggesting a modest 1.3% m-o-m forecasted price increase. This follows a flat July, where actual prices remained unchanged. The consensus among participants (Trend Indicator consensus at 63%) shows strong alignment in expectations, pointing toward stability rather than uncertainty.

Read on for some highlights from our US ferrous scrap market survey for August or click here to download your copy of the full US scrap trends outlook.

Diverging sentiments: Sellers upbeat, buyers and brokers cautious

Buyer sentiment (51.47) reflects minimal optimism, while brokers remain more cautious at 42.9, contrasting with sellers who report a stronger upward view at 62.5. Inventory levels are nearly neutral at 51.1, indicating average mill stock levels and no immediate supply pressure.

Inventory levels are nearly neutral at 51.1

Survey participant

Market stalemate: Stability prevails amid limited price drivers

The main market driver is reported as “All Unchanged,” suggesting that no single factor is expected to shift the balance significantly in the short term.

Overall, the survey points to a steady August, with limited upward pressure on prices. Market participants appear to be in a wait-and-see mode, influenced more by a lack of negative drivers than by strong bullish signals.

Access the latest scrap trends outlook report

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