Price Watch™ provides real-time price assessments and price forecasts for Heavy Melt Scrap (HMS) across top trading regions:
| Heavy Melt Scrap (HMS) Regional Coverage | Heavy Melt Scrap (HMS) Grade and Country Coverage | Heavy Melt Scrap (HMS) Pricing Data Coverage Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| North America Heavy Melt Scrap (HMS) Pricing Analysis | Heavy Melt Scrap, DEL Chicago Prices, USA | Weekly Price Update on Heavy Melt Scrap (HMS) Real-Time Domestic Prices of DEL Chicago, USA |
| Europe Heavy Melt Scrap (HMS) Pricing Analysis | Heavy Melt Scrap, FOB Prices at Rotterdam Port, Netherlands | Weekly Price Update on Heavy Melt Scrap (HMS) Real-Time Export Prices at Rotterdam Port, Netherlands to Global Markets |
| Heavy Melt Scrap, EX Iskenderun, Turkey | Weekly Price Update on Heavy Melt Scrap (HMS) Real-Time Domestic Prices of EX Iskenderun, Turkey |
Note: In assessments structured as CIF [Importing Port] (Exporting Country), the country mentioned in brackets indicates the primary origin of supply (exporting country), while the named port refers to the destination port in the importing country. Other Incoterms (FOB, FD, EXW, etc.) should be interpreted in accordance with standard international trade definitions.
Heavy melt scrap Price Trend Q1 2026
The market for global heavy melt scrap (HMS) in the first quarter of 2026 saw increased prices when compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2025). This shift in price occurred after continued downward pressure from oversupply and lack of steel demand in the last quarter of 2025 had put downward pressure on HMS prices.
Turkey, North America, and India all reported an increase in the price of both HMS1&2 and high melting scrap due to tighter supply, increasing steel mill purchases, and increasing logistics costs. Turkey experienced increased prices between late February 2026 and March 2026, and stable to slightly increased prices have also been reported in both the North American and Indian markets.
The overall rebound in HMS prices can be attributed to a combination of decreased scrap availability, increasing mill restocking of inventories, and an increase in downstream steel production, indicating the upward trend of heavy melt scrap prices globally will continue into the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.
Netherlands: Heavy melt scrap Export prices, FOB Rotterdam, Netherlands; Grade – HMS 1&2 (80:20)
The price trend of Heavy Melt scrap (HMS) in the Netherlands during Q1 2026 showed a notable inclined movement of approximately 7.37% compared to Q4 2025, reflecting a shift from the subdued conditions observed in late 2025 to a recovery driven market environment.
This upward momentum has been primarily supported by a gradual rebound in European steel demand, particularly from Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) producers, alongside a normalization of scrap supply after an oversupplied market in previous quarters.
Additionally, improved export demand from key importing regions such as Turkey and parts of Asia contributed to stronger buying activity, while stabilized inventories and better sentiment across the ferrous value chain further reinforced pricing. Netherlands HMS scrap fell by 0.22% in March 2026 due to weak demand, high European scrap supply, and cautious steel mill purchasing amid subdued construction and manufacturing activity.
USA: Heavy melt scrap Export prices, Del Chicago, USA; Grade – HMS 1&2 (80:20)
The price trend of Heavy Melt scrap in the United States during Q1 2026 showed a clear upward inclination of approximately 11.65% compared to Q4 2025, marking a transition from the weaker pricing environment seen in late 2025 to a recovery driven market.
This increase was primarily supported by tight scrap supply, as lower collection rates and logistical challenges limited availability, alongside improved domestic steel demand from construction and manufacturing sectors that boosted Electric Arc Furnace consumption. Additionally, stronger mill buying sentiment and restocking activity contributed to consistent price gains throughout the quarter, while supportive trade policies and infrastructure spending further reinforced demand.
Despite this bullish momentum, factors such as global steel overcapacity and the availability of alternative raw materials prevented sharper spikes, keeping the market relatively balanced. U.S. HMS scrap rose by 1.11% in March 2026 mainly due to stronger export demand, especially from Turkey and India, tightening supply, while domestic steel mill demand stayed weak and capped gains.
Turkey: Heavy melt scrap Export prices, EX Iskenderun, Turkey; Grade – HMS 1&2 (80:20)
According to Price-Watch™ , in Q1 2026, the price trend of Heavy Melt scrap in Turkey showed a notable 5.97 % increase compared with Q4 2025, reflecting a firm upward trajectory driven by a combination of supply constraints and selective restocking by domestic steel mills.
Winter weather in Europe and the U.S. limited scrap availability, while higher freight and energy costs pushed import CFR prices upward. Although domestic finished steel demand remained moderate, restocking activities and export opportunities supported sustained buying interest, while broader global scrap price gains reinforced Turkey’s market.
Turkey’s HMS scrap price rose by 0.73% in March 2026 due to tight import supply and freight costs, while weak rebar demand and poor mill margins limited any strong upward momentum.


