Global Scrap Prices Fall $10-$30 a Tonne in July, With Germany Down 8%
Updated
Updated · GMK Center | English · Aug 7
Global Scrap Prices Fall $10-$30 a Tonne in July, With Germany Down 8%
1 articles · Updated · GMK Center | English · Aug 7
Summary
$10-$30-per-tonne declines extended the global scrap selloff in July, with Turkey’s HMS 1&2 80:20 averaging $370/t, the US $328/t and China $380/t.
Germany posted the steepest drop—down 8% or $29 to $327/t—as weak finished-steel demand, early mill maintenance and collapsing scrap consumption weighed on European markets.
Logistics disruptions deepened the pressure in Europe: low water on the Rhine, Danube and Oder cut barge loads to 30-50% capacity, while rail and road alternatives were constrained and costlier.
Turkey’s market turned volatile rather than one-way lower, with freight increases, Iran-related tensions and tighter European scrap collection briefly lifting offers before mills again paused purchases amid weak rebar margins.
August forecasts remain soft across Europe and the US, though lower summer scrap collection and thinning Turkish inventories could support a rebound if buying revives in late August or early September.