The European Union’s scrap market showed signs of stabilization in 2025, although weak steel production continued to weigh on domestic demand.
According to market estimates:
- EU scrap demand fell 2.6% year on year to 74.7 million tons
- EU crude steel production declined 2.6% to 126.2 million tons
- Scrap collection declined more modestly by 1.6% to 86.2 million tons
This continued supply-demand gap supported export activity, while underutilization of electric arc furnace (EAF) capacity limited domestic scrap consumption.
Scrap Prices Under Pressure
Average E3 scrap prices in the EU fell 10.8% year on year to €303.8/ton, reflecting weak demand from steelmakers and softer activity in downstream sectors.
Exports Recover
EU scrap exports to third countries reached:
- 16.31 million tons (+4.4% YoY)
Top destinations:
- Turkey: 10.78 million tons (+2.2%) — over 65% of total exports
- Egypt: 1.83 million tons (+11.6%)
- India and Pakistan both reduced imports
The EU remained a net scrap exporter, with net exports estimated at 11.7 million tons in 2025.
Looking ahead, expanding EAF capacity and climate policy are expected to gradually increase internal scrap demand and reduce export availability.
VietnamSteel by Hoa Sen Group
