In this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett and Aldo discuss the volatility and complexities of the copper trade, specifically focusing on how financing costs, speculation, and potential tariffs impact the industry. They also explore the critical role of logistics in managing cash flow and explain the arbitrage between the COMEX and LME exchanges.
Produced by Recycled Media.
In this June edition of The Trade, Brett and Chad analyze the June 2026 ferrous market “standoff,” focusing on the balance between strong domestic mill demand and a cooling export market. They explore how infrastructure projects like data centers are driving scrap usage and discuss why most experts predict a “sideways” market for the month ahead.
Produced by Recycled Media.
In this May aluminum episode of The Trade, hosts Brett and Mike discuss how geopolitical conflicts and supply chain disruptions, specifically the bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz and damage to Middle Eastern smelters, have created a global deficit in the primary aluminum market. They also examine the impact of rising energy and freight costs on scrap pricing, while offering practical advice for recyclers on managing cash flow and navigating the current volatility.
Produced by Recycled Media.
In this May copper episode of The Trade, hosts Brett and Aldo discussing how financial speculation and AI-driven demand are currently fueling a volatile copper market despite rising physical inventories. They offer strategic risk-management advice for scrap yard operators, emphasizing the importance of sticking to fundamentals while navigating the disconnect between paper trading and physical supply.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade – A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Aldo Jordan to discuss he factors driving the March 2026 copper market, including China’s economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and the impact of the strong US dollar. Aldo ultimately advises a “buy, sell, and forget it” approach for scrap handlers due to the lack of clear price support above the $6 mark.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade – A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Mike Anderson, VP of Materials Trading at Schupan & Sons, to analyze the current state of the aluminum market, focusing on how Section 232 tariffs and record-high Midwest premiums are impacting domestic scrap pricing and international trade flows. The discussion also explores the future of the industry, highlighting the impact of potential interest rate changes and the role of advanced separation technologies in upgrading scrap value.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade – A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Aldo Jordan to discuss the unprecedented volatility in the copper market and how financial speculation is increasingly decoupling prices from physical supply and demand. This episode provides expert insights into shifting Chinese consumption while offering essential advice for scrap business owners on managing insurance, credit lines, and operational risks.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade – A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Aldo Jordan to dive into the 2026 copper market, exploring why prices have surged toward $6.00 due to heavy financial speculation rather than supply-side fundamentals,,,. They provide critical insights for scrap operators on managing massive cash flow demands, navigating widening spreads, and the importance of rapid inventory turnover during periods of extreme market volatility.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of The Trade – A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Mike Anderson, VP of Materials Trading at Schupan & Sons, to analyze the aluminum market. The episode covers how recent tariffs have dramatically increased the Midwest Premium, leading to historically wide scrap spreads and an influx of supply. They stress that sorting and quality are crucial for scrap traders to maximize value by providing material that can substitute for expensive prime aluminum. The conversation concludes by discussing market uncertainties and the impact of monitoring geopolitical risks.
Produced by Recycled Media.
On this episode of A Scrap Life – The Trade, Nick and Brett are joined by Aldo Jordan, who drove from California to discuss the recent volatility in the copper trade. They delve into the dynamics of copper prices, the impact of tariffs, and how small and medium-sized businesses can strategically navigate and grow within the challenging scrap metal industry.
Produced by Recycled Media.