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Global scrap steel prices rose by 10% in April, while European markets remained stable.

Category: Blog

Time:2026-05-06

According to market data, global ferrous scrap prices rose by as much as 10% in April 2026. Compared with the start of the year, prices across all regions remain 5–20% higher, reflecting a gradual recovery after an initial period of weakness. In Turkey, from April 3 to May 1, the price of HMS 1&2 80:20 scrap increased by 2.4% to USD 407.5 per tonne, the highest level since February 2024. The average price for April was USD 400.8 per tonne, up 5.3% from March’s USD 380.7 per tonne. By the end of April, the market had entered a balanced phase, with prices stabilizing in the USD 400–410 per tonne range. In the short term, supply shortages and rising logistics costs will support prices, but softening steel prices will cap further gains. In the European Union, scrap prices remained unchanged in April. Germany’s E3 scrap EXW price stayed steady at EUR 300 per tonne, while Italy’s E3 scrap delivered price fell by 0.8% to EUR 327.5 per tonne. External demand continues to be a key stabilizing factor; increased purchases from Turkey have ensured outflows from northern ports, thereby preventing price declines. On the U.S. East Coast, scrap prices rose by 3.3% in April to USD 363 per tonne FOB. The average price for April was USD 355.1 per tonne, up 5.5% from March’s USD 336.6 per tonne. In the second half of April, exports became the main driver of growth, with new CFR deals to Turkey exceeding USD 400 per tonne boosting expectations and strengthening sellers’ bargaining position. In China, scrap import prices saw the largest increase in April, climbing 9.9% to USD 390 per tonne, whereas domestic quotations rose by only 1.6% to USD 352.6 per tonne. The global rise in scrap prices—particularly in Japan—combined with supply shortages has led to a sharp surge in import prices. Suppliers are shifting their focus to more profitable markets, effectively squeezing China out of active trading.

According to market data, global ferrous scrap prices rose by as much as 10% in April 2026. Compared with the start of the year, prices in all regions remain 5% to 20% higher, indicating a gradual recovery following the initial sluggishness at the beginning of the year.
In Turkey, from April 3 to May 1, the price of HMS 1&2 80:20 scrap rose by 2.4% to USD 407.5 per tonne, the highest level since February 2024. The average price for April was USD 400.8 per tonne, up 5.3% from March’s USD 380.7 per tonne. At the end of April, the market entered a balanced phase, with prices stabilizing in the USD 400–410 per tonne range. In the short term, supply shortages and higher logistics costs will provide support for prices, but weak steel prices will cap any further increases.
In the EU, scrap steel prices remained unchanged in April compared with the previous month. The EXW price for German E3 scrap stayed steady at €300 per tonne, while the delivered price for Italian E3 scrap fell by 0.8% to €327.5 per tonne. External demand continues to be a key stabilizing factor: increased purchases from Turkey have ensured that supply flows out of northern ports, thereby preventing further price declines.
On the U.S. East Coast, scrap prices rose 3.3% in April to $363 per ton FOB. The average price for the month was $355.1 per ton, up 5.5% from March’s $336.6 per ton. In the second half of April, exports emerged as the primary driver of price increases, with new CFR deals to Turkey exceeding $400 per ton that boosted market expectations and strengthened sellers’ bargaining position.
In China, scrap steel import prices saw the largest increase in April, rising by 9.9% to USD 390 per tonne, while domestic quotations climbed by only 1.6% to USD 352.6 per tonne. The global surge in scrap prices—particularly in Japan—combined with supply shortages has driven import prices sharply higher. As suppliers shift their focus to more profitable markets, China has effectively been squeezed out of active trading.

Keywords: Global scrap steel prices rose by 10% in April, while European markets remained stable.

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Global scrap steel prices rose by 10% in April, while European markets remained stable.

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