US scrap trends outlook: September 2025

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

Ferrous scrap market enters September on muted note amid balanced forces

The ferrous scrap market is forecasted to remain broadly stable in September, with the Trend Indicator easing slightly to 47.4 – suggesting a modest bearish bias. The indicator remains close to neutral territory, translating to a forecasted -0.7% month-on-month price movement. The consensus level of 67% reflects above-average agreement among market participants, indicating clear views on market direction.

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

Market sentiment: Buyers bearish, sellers optimistic and brokers neutral

Market-side sentiment reveals a divide. Buyers posted a bearish reading of 38.46, anticipating price softening, while sellers remained slightly optimistic at 53.7. Brokers landed squarely in the middle at 50.0. Inventories were reported below average at 44.1.

Buyers posted a bearish reading of 38.46

Survey participant

Ferrous scrap market: September marked by inertia

The dominant market driver this month is “All Unchanged,” indicating no single force –supply, demand or external disruption – is expected to significantly shift the market. Open-ended responses reinforce this mood, reflecting consistent themes of stagnant economic activity, scattered mill shutdowns and steady but uninspiring consumption trends.

Overall, September appears to be a month of inertia in the ferrous scrap market, as participants look for a clearer signal in an environment characterized by limited upside and no major disruptive forces.

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