stop looking Macro economics and look Micro economics this is not the only answer, but a very likely one the yard you went to has an order to finish, and they are buying scrap at break even. this is often the case when you see a sudden 20% increaseshred feed is often at a 20% margin watch for the bottom to drop right back out before the 1st of Feb.
Additionally some of the mills that idled from the holidays may be back on line and running short on material. there is a similar issue with shredders, a small shredder has a skilled 4 man crew, you have to feed the beast or have those guys sitting on their thumbs. you lay them off or cut hours they may not be available when it is time to ramp back up... this issue all across the scrap yard is why it will take as long for the prices to rise as it did for them to go down. yards(and the industry as a whole) will have to increase the capability back to what it was.
now you want to worry about China remember the Chinese new years starts FEB 8 lasts a week after that the china market may... MAY start to move. which way I refuse to predict.
Now as to your shred issue, if you produce, say 5 tons a week, you should really try to talk to a buyer from the yard of your choice, and let him know what you got, and see where he can get you... Volume matters in all yards, if they have a hot order to fill they will call people that might have what they need...
Hoarders you should be doing this also, but I warn you exaggerate at your own risk. you tell someone you have a ton of copper and cannot produce it, you have burnt a bridge and it will not be forgotten
V/r HT1
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