Shredded Scrap Price Trend and Forecast

UNSPC code: 11191600
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Weekly Update
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Historical Data Since 2015
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Forecast for 2026
  • Commodity Pricing

shredded scrap Price Trends by Country

itItaly
usUnited States
deGermany
esSpain

Global shredded scrap Spot Market Prices, Trend Analysis and Forecast

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ provides price assessments for Shredded Scrap across top trading regions:


North America

  • Shredded Scrap, Del Alabama, USA


Europe

  • Shredded Scrap FD Taranto, Italy
  • Shredded Scrap FD Hamburg, Germany
  • Shredded Scrap EX Aviles, Spain


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.

Shredded Scrap Price Trend Q4 2025

In Q4 2025, the global Shredded Scrap market exhibited a broadly negative trend, driven by weakened demand across major steelmaking regions and cautious purchasing activity from electric arc furnace (EAF) producers. Prices declined in most markets as finished steel demand remained subdued, prompting mills to reduce melt schedules and limit large volume procurement. Import dependent regions faced additional downward pressure due to competitive international scrap offers and flexible freight rates, encouraging buyers to adopt a wait and watch approach. Meanwhile, markets with strong domestic scrap collection experienced further price corrections as supply remained ample relative to consumption. Downstream participants prioritized inventory management and short term purchasing strategies, which restrained any potential price recovery. Overall, the global Shredded Scrap market in Q4 2025 reflected soft market fundamentals with gradual price erosion, shaping a cautious sentiment moving into early 2026.

Italy: Shredded Scrap Export prices, FD Taranto, Italy; Grade – E40

In Q4 2025, Shredded Scrap prices in Italy decreased by 7.05% compared to Q3 2025, indicating a bearish market trend amid cautious sentiment. Demand from key downstream sectors, particularly steel manufacturing and construction, softened as mills maintained sufficient inventories and adopted conservative procurement strategies in response to muted finished steel demand. Meanwhile, consistent supply from domestic scrap collection and stable import inflows ensured comfortable availability in the market, reducing immediate buying pressure. Scrap processors continued normal operations, but competitive pricing and ample material availability contributed to downward price adjustments. By December 2025, limited spot transactions and restrained restocking from steel producers further weighed on the market, while subdued export demand provided minimal support. Overall, the shredded scrap market in Italy experienced a noticeable quarterly decline, reflecting stable supply conditions but weaker demand dynamics as the market approached early 2026.

USA: Shredded Scrap Export prices, Del Alabama, USA; Grade – E40

In Q4 2025, shredded scrap prices in the USA declined by 10.16% compared to Q3 2025, reflecting a softer trend in the domestic ferrous scrap market as overall sentiment remained cautious. Demand from steel mills and downstream construction and manufacturing sectors moderated toward the end of the year, while reduced procurement activity combined with sufficient scrap availability from demolition and industrial sources placed downward pressure on prices. Upstream supply remained ample due to steady scrap collection rates and improved recycling flows across major trading hubs, increasing material availability. At the same time, mills adopted conservative purchasing strategies, adjusting procurement volumes in response to slower finished steel orders and inventory management priorities, while export demand remained subdued because of competitive global pricing and fluctuating freight dynamics, offering limited support to domestic scrap values. In December 2025, prices weakened further as several mills scaled back buying programs ahead of year end maintenance schedules and holiday slowdowns, and higher yard inventories along with competitive supplier offers added further pricing pressure, resulting in a notable quarterly decline in the U.S. shredded scrap market heading into early 2026.

Germany: Shredded Scrap Export prices, FD Hamburg, Germany; Grade – E40

In Q4 2025, Shredded Scrap prices in Germany decreased by 8.10% compared to Q3 2025, reflecting a softer market trend driven by subdued demand from domestic steel mills and cautious procurement strategies. Steel producers maintained adequate inventories and limited spot purchases as activity in key downstream sectors such as construction and automotive manufacturing remained moderate toward the end of the year. At the same time, improved scrap collection rates and steady inflows from both industrial and obsolete scrap sources ensured sufficient domestic supply, while additional volumes from neighbouring European markets further contributed to a well balanced supply environment. Energy and logistics costs remained manageable for recyclers and processors, preventing major supply disruptions. In December 2025, prices weakened further as mills successfully negotiated lower purchase rates amid comfortable inventory levels and limited export opportunities due to competitive global pricing. Overall, the German shredded scrap market experienced a demand driven correction during the quarter, entering early 2026 with stable supply conditions but cautious buying sentiment.

Spain: Shredded Scrap Export prices, EX Aviles, Spain; Grade – E40

In Q4 2025, Shredded Scrap prices in Spain decreased by 8.13% compared to Q3 2025, reflecting a softer market trend driven by subdued demand from the domestic steel manufacturing sector and improved scrap availability across European markets. Procurement activity remained cautious as steel mills limited purchases to immediate operational needs and avoided aggressive restocking amid expectations of further price corrections. Supply conditions were comfortable due to steady scrap generation from demolition activities, automotive recycling, and industrial waste streams, which increased material flow to scrapyards and processors. Additionally, competitive offers from other European suppliers added downward pressure on prices, while domestic traders carefully managed inventories to prevent stock accumulation in the declining market environment. End user demand from the construction and manufacturing sectors remained moderate, further limiting consumption growth. Toward December 2025, prices softened slightly as mills slowed procurement ahead of the year end holiday period and market participants delayed bulk purchases in anticipation of better pricing in early 2026, allowing the Spanish shredded scrap market to enter the new year with adequate supply but weaker pricing momentum.

Shredded Scrap Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2025

In Q3 2025, global shredded scrap prices showed a negative trend driven by weak steel demand, excess supply, and subdued buying from key markets like Turkey and the EU. Economic uncertainty and softer construction and manufacturing activity led mills to reduce scrap intake, while inventory buildup pressured sellers to offer discounts.

Alternative raw materials such as DRI and HBI also undercut scrap demand in some regions. As a result, benchmark scrap prices like Turkey’s HMS 1&2 (80/20) fell, with similar declines seen in the U.S. and EU, reflecting broad downward pressure across the market.

USA: Shredded Scrap Domestically Traded price, DEL Alabama, USA, Grade- E40.

According to Price-Watch, In Q3 2025, shredded scrap prices in Germany have declined by 2.74% compared to Q2, driven by weaker demand from steel mills amid elevated energy costs and a seasonal slowdown in industrial activity. Reduced exports and heightened global competition have added further pressure, shaping a cautious market outlook.

Overall, the shredded scrap market has shown a modest downtrend influenced by both domestic and international factors, with uncertainty persisting into Q4. In September 2025, prices in Germany have fallen by 1.98%, reflecting reduced demand from the manufacturing sector and increased scrap supply, alongside broader global economic uncertainty and shifts in raw material sourcing.

Germany: Shredded Scrap Domestically Traded price, FD Hamburg, Germany, Grade- E40.

In Q3 2025, shredded scrap price trend in Germany have declined by 2.74% compared to Q2, driven by weaker demand from steel mills amid elevated energy costs and a seasonal slowdown in industrial activity. Reduced exports and heightened global competition have added further pressure, shaping a cautious market outlook.

Overall, the shredded scrap market has shown a modest downtrend influenced by both domestic and international factors, with uncertainty persisting into Q4. In September 2025, Shredded Scrap prices in Germany have fallen by 1.98%, reflecting reduced demand from the manufacturing sector and increased scrap supply, alongside broader global economic uncertainty and shifts in raw material sourcing.

Italy: Shredded Scrap Domestically Traded price, FD Taranto, Italy, Grade- E40.

During Q3 2025, shredded scrap price trend in Italy decreased by 3.92% compared to Q2 due to an overall downturn in demand from steel mills driven by seasonal slowdowns and lower production activity during summer holidays. Nonetheless, demand for shredded scrap in Q3 has been considered relatively tight, and the decline measured in shredded scrap prices has primarily from softening demand, with lower mills bids in the domestic market, and softening export market support.

Although this decrease is negligible, it is a reversal of sentiment following the modest gains in prices during Q2 and a sign of mills addressing cost control in a market with weak steel production levels and concerns over the uncertainty of their order books for future steel production.

In comparison, the shredded scrap prices in Italy decreased by 1.91% in September, in part due to steel mills having lesser demand for shredded scrap with construction activity slowing with the seasonal shift, and because domestic availability of scrap improved.

Spain: Shredded Scrap Domestically Traded price, EX Aviles, Spain, Grade- E40.

In the third quarter of 2025, the shredded scrap price trend in Spain reflected a decline of 3.13% compared to the preceding quarter indicating a softening market with lower demand from steel production, improving scrap availability, and stable import competition. Prices had stabilized in the second quarter of 2025 but declined in the third quarter indicating some measure of cautious purchasing and a more even marketplace and supply chain for scrap.

The decline in the price of shredded scrap also reflects the seasonal effect and macro pressures weighing on the marketplace, though participants seem to be on alert for shifting demand patterns or disruptions to supply which could reverse the trend.

In September 2025, the 2.0% decline in shredded scrap prices in Spain has been a reflection of lower demand from the steel manufacturing sector resulting from the slowing construction sector. Also, an improvement in availability of scrap due to increased levels of collection contributed to the downward pressure of pricing.

According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, shredded scrap prices have increased by $355.76 per metric ton, FD Taranto a 1.65% rise influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions and tariff impacts. Trade restrictions and tariffs, especially among major steel producers, have disrupted supply chains and raised import costs, tightening domestic scrap availability.

Geopolitical uncertainties, including conflicts affecting raw material exports and fluctuating energy prices, have also increased operational expenses for scrap processors. These combined factors have created supply constraints and elevated costs, driving shredded scrap prices higher. The market is responding to these pressures with reduced supply flexibility and increased demand for domestic scrap, reinforcing the upward price trend amid an uncertain global trade environment. 

In the first quarter of 2025, the shredded scrap market experienced a notable price decline, with prices dropping by $350.68 per metric ton, FD Taranto representing a 2.57% decrease compared to the previous period. This downward trend suggests a cooling demand or an increase in supply, potentially influenced by shifts in global steel production, recycling rates, or raw material availability.

Such a price reduction could impact scrap suppliers and recyclers by tightening profit margins, while steel manufacturers might benefit from lower input costs. Market participants should closely monitor supply chain dynamics and macroeconomic factors to anticipate further price movements in the coming months. 

Shredded Scrap Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, the shredded scrap market is expected to experience a notable decline, with prices dropping by $359.95 per metric ton, FD Taranto representing a 5.12% decrease compared to previous levels. This downward trend may reflect a combination of factors such as softened demand in the steel manufacturing sector, increased supply of scrap materials, or shifts in global trade dynamics impacting raw material costs.

The price reduction could signal challenges for scrap suppliers but may also create more competitive purchasing opportunities for steel producers looking to optimize costs. Overall, this price adjustment highlights the volatility and sensitivity of the shredded scrap market to broader economic and industrial conditions in the final quarter of 2024. 

In Q3 2024, the shredded scrap market experienced a notable decline, with prices dropping by $379.38 per metric ton, FD Taranto representing a 7.98% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This downturn could be attributed to factors such as reduced demand from key industries like steel manufacturing, shifts in global supply chains, or an increase in scrap availability driving prices down.

The significant price correction may impact scrap suppliers’ margins and could signal a cautious market outlook moving forward, prompting stakeholders to reassess supply contracts and inventory strategies to mitigate potential financial strain. 

In Q2 2024, the shredded scrap market experienced a noticeable decline, with prices dropping by $412.26 per metric ton, FD Taranto representing a 1.28% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This downward shift suggests a softening in demand or an oversupply in the market, potentially influenced by factors such as reduced industrial activity, changes in raw material sourcing, or global economic uncertainties.

The modest percentage decrease, while not drastic, indicates cautious sentiment among buyers and sellers, prompting stakeholders to closely monitor supply chain dynamics and market trends to adjust procurement and sales strategies accordingly. 

In the first quarter of 2024, the shredded scrap market experienced a significant price increase of $417.60 per metric ton, FD Taranto representing a 7.59% rise compared to the previous period. This upward trend indicates strong demand pressures or supply constraints in the scrap metal sector, reflecting broader market dynamics such as increased manufacturing activity or disruptions in raw material availability.

The notable price hike suggests that buyers are willing to pay a premium for shredded scrap, potentially driven by tighter inventories and rising costs in related industries, which could impact downstream production costs and overall metal pricing in the coming months. 

 

Technical Specifications of Shredded Scrap Price Trends

Product Description

Shredded scrap consists of metal waste that has been mechanically processed into smaller, uniform pieces through shredding. It is commonly sourced from end-of-life vehicles, manufacturing offcuts, and industrial metal waste. Shredded scrap is widely used in the recycling industry as a raw material for steelmaking and metal recovery, helping reduce environmental impact and conserve natural resources. Its uniform size and composition make it ideal for efficient melting and reprocessing in foundries and steel plants. Additionally, shredded scrap supports sustainable manufacturing practices across automotive, construction, and heavy machinery sectors.

Identifiers and Classification:

  • HS Code – 720449


Shredded Scrap Grades Specific Price Assessment:

  • E40


Shredded Scrap Global Trade and Shipment Terms

  • Quotation Terms (Product & Country Specific): 25-30 MT
  • Packaging Type (Product & Country Specific): Container

Incoterms Referenced in Shredded Scrap Price Reporting

Shipping Term  Location  Definition 
FD Taranto   Taranto, Italy  Domestically Traded Shredded Scrap price in Italy 
Del Alabama  Alabama, USA  Domestically Traded Shredded Scrap price in USA 
FD Hamburg  Hamburg, Germany  Domestically Traded Shredded Scrap price in Germany 
EX Aviles  Aviles, Spain  Domestically Traded Shredded Scrap price in Spain 

*Quotation Terms refers to the quantity range specified for the Shredded Scrap being quoted or offered in a commercial transaction.

**Packaging Type refers to standard packaging size commonly used for Shredded Scrap packing, ease of handling, transportation, and storage in industrial and commercial applications.

Key Shredded Scrap Manufacturers

Manufacturer 
Tata Steel Recycling 
Bless Green Steel Pvt Ltd 
CERO 
GRMetalloys Pvt. Ltd. 
T & Y Iron and Steel Pvt. Ltd. 

Shredded Scrap Industrial Applications

shredded scrap market share end use

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Shredded Scrap prices

  • China Export Controls (2025): Restrictions and environmental quotas reduced exports by 40–50%, causing extreme global price jumps and regional market corrections.
  • Global Supply and Demand Acceleration (2023–2024): Rising feedstock costs, seasonal smelter maintenance, and stronger industrial demand in India and the USA drove Q2–Q3 price gains of approximately 18–28%.
  • COVID 19 Pandemic (2020): Lockdowns and operational disruptions at Chinese smelters caused supply shocks, leading to multiyear spot price highs worldwide.
  • Chinese Production Policies (2007–2008): Concentration of smelters and tighter export controls in China reduced output, creating global shortages and driving prices sharply higher.

 

These events underscore the shredded scrap market’s sensitivity to supply disruptions, industrial demand shifts, and geopolitical or policy interventions, highlighting the importance of monitoring both global supply and domestic consumption patterns.

Why Price Watch™?

Price Watch™ is your trusted resource for tracking global shredded scrap price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the shredded scrap market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, Price Watch™ keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, Price Watch™ provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With Price Watch™, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence shredded scrap prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with Price Watch’s™ reliable, accurate, and timely shredded scrap market data.

Track Price Watch's™ shredded scrap price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Shredded Scrap Market Price Trend published by 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ reflect prevailing spot market conditions, derived from independent research, verified trade inputs, and proprietary market intelligence as of the publication date. Prices are published on the specified Incoterm and represent indicative base market levels, exclusive of applicable taxes, VAT, duties, tariffs, and other statutory charges. Actual transaction values may vary depending on volume, credit terms, contractual structure, and other negotiated conditions. Market prices are inherently subject to volatility, liquidity dynamics, regulatory changes, and evolving trade activity. The information provided is for reference and benchmarking purposes only and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, or guarantee of transactional outcomes. Users should exercise independent commercial judgment and assess their specific contractual, regulatory, tax, and application requirements before making business decisions. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ assumes no liability for decisions taken based on this information.

Raw Material Availability – The supply of scrap metal, including the quantity and quality of shredded scrap, impacts pricing. Limited availability raises prices.

Global Steel Prices – Shredded scrap is a key input for steel production. Changes in global steel prices often reflect directly on scrap prices.

Demand from Steel Mills – Demand fluctuations from steel mills and foundries influence shredded scrap prices. Higher demand for recycled steel tends to increase prices.

Processing and Transportation Costs – Costs associated with shredding, sorting, handling, and transporting scrap affect the overall price.

Environmental Regulations – Regulations on recycling, emissions, and waste management can impact operational costs and, consequently, scrap prices.

Trade Policies and Tariffs – Import/export restrictions, tariffs, and trade agreements affect international scrap prices.

Market Competition – The number of scrap suppliers and their pricing strategies influence market prices.

Currency Exchange Rates – As shredded scrap is traded globally, currency fluctuations can impact prices in various regions.

The availability and cost of raw materials such as high-carbon steel and alloy coatings directly affect shredded scrap production costs and pricing.

Shredded scrap prices tend to increase with inflation, driven by higher raw material and processing costs. However, consistent demand from steel manufacturing and recycling industries supports price stability even amid wider economic changes.

Shredded scrap is a processed form of recycled metal produced by mechanically shredding large metal items such as end of life vehicles, appliances, and industrial equipment into small, uniform fragments. It is widely used as a secondary raw material in steelmaking and metal manufacturing due to its high metallic content, consistent size, and efficient melting properties. Shredded scrap plays a vital role in electric arc furnace steel production, helping improve furnace efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and support sustainable metal recycling practices. Its market dynamics influence industries such as construction, automotive manufacturing, infrastructure, and heavy machinery. As global demand for recycled materials and low carbon steel production increases, shredded scrap remains an important component of the circular economy. Price Watch™ tracks shredded scrap price trends to help businesses and consumers stay informed about supply conditions, recycling flows, industrial demand, trade policies, and overall market movements.

Shredded scrap prices vary by region and market conditions. Prices are typically quoted per metric ton or per pound and fluctuate based on global supply, import/export flows, industrial demand, and currency exchange rates. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ provides real time price assessments across different global markets to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.

Prices fluctuate due to changes in Chinese production, environmental regulations, seasonal smelter maintenance, feedstock availability, and demand from pharmaceuticals, electronics, and alloys. Exchange rates, logistics costs, and global economic conditions also influence trends.

Major consumers include pharmaceuticals, electronics, metallurgy, chemical & pigment industries, and research/specialty materials. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ analyses demand patterns across all these industries.

Shredded scrap is primarily obtained as a by product of metal recycling and end of life product processing, especially from discarded automobiles, household appliances, construction materials, and industrial equipment that contain a mixture of ferrous and non ferrous metals. High quality shredded scrap is produced through mechanical shredding, magnetic separation, eddy current separation, and density based sorting processes, allowing recovery of clean metal fragments in uniform sizes suitable for efficient remelting and reuse in steelmaking and other metallurgical applications.

USA is the world’s largest exporter. Export volumes vary with domestic policies, environmental regulations, and international demand. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ tracks production levels, export flows and trade patterns to help businesses understand global supply chains and identify sourcing opportunities.

Supply generally meets demand, but disruptions may occur due to smelter shutdowns, environmental restrictions, or spikes in industrial consumption. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ monitors these supply demand imbalances to alert the market about potential shortages or surpluses.

Shredded scrap is graded by purity: industrial grade (E40), high purity E40, and ultra pure specialty forms. Higher purity grades cost more due to extra refining. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ provides separate price assessments for each grade to ensure market transparency.

When demand rises, for example: from pharmaceutical production or electronics manufacturing prices typically climb. Suppliers may prioritize certain customers, and lead times can extend. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ captures these market dynamics in real time.

Refining shredded scrap is energy intensive. Rising electricity, fuel, or chemical costs often get passed on to buyers. This is why prices in regions with cheaper electricity tend to be lower, a correlation that 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ analyses in its price assessments & market reports.

Regional variations arise from import dependency, shipping costs, currency fluctuations, and local demand. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ tracks prices across all major regions to highlight these differences.

Forecasts depend on production capacity, Chinese export policies, industrial demand, and macroeconomic factors. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ regularly publishes detailed forecasts that project price movements for the next 12 months based on comprehensive analysis of supply additions, demand growth in key industries, seasonal patterns, and macroeconomic indicators. Our forecasts help businesses anticipate market conditions and plan accordingly.

Yes. Accurate forecasts allow businesses to optimize purchasing, negotiate contracts, and manage inventories. If 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ forecasts predict a price increase in three months, you might choose to stock up now or lock in long term contracts at current rates, potentially saving thousands of dollars.

Events such as Chinese export restrictions, smelter shutdowns, environmental regulations, or economic shocks can cause supply shortages and price volatility. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ provides timely alerts when such events affect the market.

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™™ collects data from manufacturers, distributors, and buyers worldwide to publish regular price assessments, market reports, and forecasts. Our transparent methodology and comprehensive coverage make us a trusted source for understanding fair pricing and market trends in the Shredded Scrap industry.