Germany Ferrous Scrap Exports Stable in Early 2026

Germany ferrous scrap exports remained stable in the first two months of 2026, reflecting steady European steel demand despite shifting trade flows. Total exports reached 1.26 million tonnes in January–February, maintaining last year’s level, while export value stood at €568 million.

Italy Demand Rises as Netherlands Shipments Drop

Germany ferrous scrap exports showed clear regional divergence in early 2026. Shipments to Italy increased by nearly 20% year-on-year, signaling stronger demand from electric arc furnace (EAF) steel producers. Italian mills continue to rely heavily on imported scrap to support steel output, particularly amid ongoing decarbonization efforts.
In contrast, exports to the Netherlands declined sharply by 19% compared to the same period last year. The drop likely reflects shifting logistics routes and changing domestic scrap demand. The Netherlands often acts as a redistribution hub, so reduced inflows may indicate adjustments in broader European scrap trade flows.

Scrap Prices Hold Steady Despite Cost Pressures

Germany’s domestic scrap prices remained stable in April, even as energy costs across Europe continued to rise. Market activity remained supported by ongoing exports to Turkey, a key global scrap buyer.
Average prices held at around €295 per tonne for E3 grade scrap, while E2/8 and E40 grades both averaged €305 per tonne. This price stability suggests balanced supply-demand conditions in the short term, despite external cost pressures.
However, market participants expect upward price movement in May. Rising transportation costs, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, are increasing freight rates and could tighten effective supply across export markets.

Germany Scrap Trade Context and 2025 Trends

Germany remains one of Europe’s leading exporters of ferrous scrap. In 2025, total exports increased by 5% year-on-year to 7.7 million tonnes, with a total value of €4.54 billion.
At the same time, scrap imports declined by 9% to 3.98 million tonnes. Lower import volumes reflected reduced steel production levels within Germany, as the industry faced weak demand and high operating costs.

Market Impact

○ Impacted Metals: Ferrous scrap (E3, E2/8, E40), carbon steel scrap grades

○ Direction: Mixed

○ Time Horizon: Near-term

○ Affected Industries: Electric arc furnace steelmaking, construction steel, automotive steel supply chain, scrap recycling, logistics and freight

○ Related Price Reports: Steel Scrap Weekly Price Report, Stainless Steel Weekly Price Report

○ Watch Item: Monitor May 2026 scrap price negotiations in Germany as rising freight costs begin to influence export pricing.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Germany’s stable scrap export volumes mask a shifting European trade landscape driven by regional demand changes and logistics disruptions. Stronger Italian buying and weaker Dutch flows suggest evolving supply chains that could reshape intra-European scrap pricing.
If freight costs continue to rise, exporters may gain pricing power in the near term, especially with sustained Turkish demand. This could push European scrap prices higher heading into mid-2026.