According to an industry market review published on May 5, 2026, global ferrous scrap prices rose by up to 10% by the end of April depending on the region. Since the beginning of the year, quotations have remained 5-20% higher than starting levels. This indicates a gradual market recovery after a weak start to the year and confirms the increasing role of raw material factors in shaping the costs of metallurgical enterprises. The most notable changes were observed in Turkey, the USA, and the import segment of China, while the EU maintains relative stability.
Regional Price Dynamics and Key Factors in April
The Turkish market from April 3 to May 1 demonstrated a 2.4% price increase for HMS 1&2 80:20 scrap, reaching $407.5 per tonne—the highest figure since February 2024. Throughout the month, steelmakers balanced between weak rebar sales, high energy costs, and the need to cover May raw material requirements. Additional price support came from limited supply, expensive European raw materials, and the rising cost of billets, which did not become a full-fledged substitute for scrap.
In the European Union, April was significantly calmer. In Germany, the price of E3 scrap remained at €300 per tonne ex-works, while in Italy, E3 material slightly decreased to €327.5 per tonne Delivered Basis. Stable demand from steelmakers combined with sufficient supply in Germany and Austria curbed volatility, while Italy remained more sensitive to limited collection and high production costs.
In the US market, particularly on the US East Coast, quotations in April rose by 3.3% to $363 per tonne FOB. After initial pressure from increased collection and a temporary reduction in domestic consumption, the market recovered quickly due to strong exports, primarily to Turkey. Meanwhile, in China, imported scrap rose in price by almost 10% to $390 per tonne, while domestic offers increased by only 1.6%, reflecting the gap between global shortages and restrained domestic demand.
Impact on the Steel Market and Solutions from winox.ua
The rise in scrap prices is a critical signal for the entire metallurgical supply chain, as it affects steel smelting costs, factory pricing policies, and contract terms for rolled metal products. For industrial buyers, this necessitates more careful procurement planning, assessing regional risks, and budgeting for potential raw material fluctuations. This is particularly relevant for companies working with stainless steel, sheet metal, pipes, and other semi-finished metal products.
Under such conditions, the market increasingly values supply predictability and material quality. winox.ua, as a supplier of rolled metal, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals, helps clients mitigate procurement risks through reliable logistics and strategic cooperation with suppliers. Amid rising raw material costs, this is especially important for manufacturing and construction companies that require stable supply terms and a clear pricing policy.
For the B2B segment, the current situation also means that the cost of metal depends increasingly not only on local demand but also on global scrap flows, logistics, and foreign trade activity. If Turkey maintains intensive purchasing and transport costs continue to rise, pressure on the European and American markets will remain significant. In this context, working with a professional supplier gives businesses more flexibility in planning inventories and production cycles.
Market Outlook for the Near Future
In the short term, the global scrap market is likely to maintain a moderately upward trend, although growth rates will vary by region. In Turkey, price support will continue to be driven by supply shortages and logistics costs, but weak finished steel prices may limit further upward movement. In the EU, potential for growth is primarily formed by transport factors and export activity.
In the US, premium scrap grades look the most resilient due to strong external demand, while cheaper grades may increase more slowly. The Chinese domestic market, conversely, remains relatively stable due to weak margins at electric arc furnace plants, but the import segment continues to depend on the global deficit. For buyers of metal products, this means that the April market recovery should already be factored into procurement strategies for the coming months.