May 2026 Scrap Market Forecast: Prime grades strengthen, obsolete grades remain sideways, and improving mill demand supports stable pricing across Chicago and the Midwest.

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.