Market News

Chicago scrap prices: Prime grades steady, obsolete down $20. Aluminum strengthens, copper stabilizes, and stainless remains soft in April market update.

Chicago scrap prices hold steady in March while aluminum rises, stainless firms, and copper remains elevated amid shifting global supply conditions.

February 2026 scrap prices climbed across Chicago, with ferrous up $30 per ton as winter tightened supply. Copper surged nearly 40% on strong U.S. demand and tariff concerns, while aluminum and stainless posted steady gains amid export strength.

January opens 2026 with strong momentum in the ferrous scrap market as tight supply, steady mill demand, and firm steel pricing support higher values. Non-ferrous markets remain mixed, with pressure on stainless and aluminum, while copper surges to record highs amid global supply risks and tariff uncertainty.

December brings the first lift in Chicago’s ferrous market since spring, steady aluminum, softer stainless, and a continued copper rally driven by real supply constraints. This update covers the key forces shaping the month.

November’s scrap market steadied as steel and non-ferrous prices held firm. BL Duke shares insights on trends shaping 2026’s recycling outlook.

October’s scrap market softened as steel demand slowed and mill outages grew. See BL Duke’s latest insight on ferrous, stainless, copper, and aluminum trends.

Scrap markets in September show mixed movement. Prime ferrous grades slipped for the first time since May, while cut grades and turnings stayed flat. Stainless steel remains stagnant, primary aluminum is elevated, secondary grades lack demand, and copper is volatile amid global uncertainty.

Chicago’s scrap market stayed mostly flat in August, with only turnings and borings up. Tariff changes, tight supply, and strong rebar demand could set the stage for a stronger finish to the year.