The forecast for stocks of unalloyed copper-base scrap at smelters, refiners, and ingot makers in the US shows a steady increase from 7.65 thousand metric tons in 2024 to 8.44 thousand metric tons in 2028. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 2.5% over this period. As these forecasts indicate a consistent upward trend, stakeholders should note the moderate year-on-year increase in stocks available for processing in the copper industry.

Future trends to watch for:

Global copper demand and supply dynamics, which could influence scrap availability and stocks.
Technological advancement in recycling processes that may impact scrap recovery efficiency.
Regulatory and policy changes affecting scrap metal trade and environmental standards.