Global Scrap Prices Show Mixed Trends in September 2025

Global Scrap Prices: Regional Divergence in September 2025

In September 2025, global scrap prices showed a generally stagnant trend, with regional markets experiencing varied dynamics. While China saw a slight increase in domestic scrap prices, countries like Turkey, the U.S., and the EU faced declines or stable levels compared to August.

Turkey’s Scrap Market Faces Uncertainty

Turkey’s scrap market experienced a turbulent September. Scrap prices fell by 2.2% between August 29 and September 25, reaching $336.3 per ton CFR. This decline was attributed to weak rebar sales, political instability, and anticipation of interest rate cuts. Turkish mills exerted significant pressure on scrap suppliers, resulting in prices being driven close to their annual lows.

However, the second half of September saw an unexpected recovery. Demand from Egypt surged due to a new 16.2% import duty on billets, while Turkey’s revision of customs processing rules encouraged domestic processing. These factors, combined with a more assertive stance from European suppliers, helped prices recover.

While the outlook for October remains uncertain, experts suggest that prices may stabilize within a $5-10/t range, depending on demand fluctuations for rebar and signals from China.

EU and U.S. Markets Struggle with Weak Demand

In the European Union, the scrap market saw downward trends across various countries. In Italy, the price of E3 scrap fell by 6.3% to €295 per ton, while in Germany, it decreased by 2.6% to €280 per ton. The early part of the month was stable as mills returned from summer shutdowns with full inventories, reducing the need for fresh scrap purchases. However, oversupply from regions like France and Germany, coupled with weak demand for long products, exerted pressure on prices.

The U.S. market also continued its downward trajectory, with prices falling by 3.9% to $295 per ton FOB between August 29 and September 25. This marked the third consecutive month of price decline, primarily due to sluggish demand for flat products and weak hot-rolled coil prices. Despite some raw material grades holding steady, the market showed limited support from export factors, with Taiwan and Turkey reducing their purchase volumes.

China’s Mixed Scrap Price Dynamics

The Chinese market presented contradictory trends. Domestic scrap prices rose by 0.9% to $324.3 per ton, while import prices dropped by 0.7% to $332.5 per ton CFR. Early in the month, weak steel demand and low margins for producers pressured prices. However, in the second half of the month, a shortage of spot scrap led to a localized price rise, even though overall demand for finished steel remained weak.

Import prices, particularly for Japanese scrap, remained uncompetitive, with the added VAT making it more expensive than domestic alternatives. As a result, imports remained limited, and domestic prices were expected to remain steady barring any significant improvements in steel demand.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Global scrap markets showed regional divergence in September 2025, with Turkey, the EU, and the U.S. facing challenges, while China showed slight price recovery driven by local supply shortages. Turkey’s uncertain outlook and weak steel demand in the U.S. and EU suggest that the overall scrap market may remain under pressure.

Looking ahead, the scrap market faces a delicate balance between limited supply and sluggish demand. As geopolitical factors, tariffs, and energy costs continue to influence production, scrap prices will likely experience more volatility.