RMU: Will scrap export prices hold amid domestic market slump?

RMU reached out to a prominent exporter very familiar with the situation. According to him, one reason for this continued strength is that there seems to be a shortage of scrap in Europe, especially shredded scrap. He added that, even though the markets in Mexico and India have quieted, steady demand from Turkey has caused their buyers to continue to book cargoes from North America, where supply has been available.  

Looking at what transpired in the US market last week, the case can be made for fairly firm shredded scrap prices. Although prices for shredded dropped $20/gt virtually nationwide, other grades like busheling and P&S were down $30-50/gt.  Since shredded only went down $20 after going sideways in May, its price is $5/gt over busheling in some districts like Chicago and Detroit. It is thought that the steelmakers are afraid to price shredded too much lower. They need a reliable flow since shredded is the staple of numerous melting programs. This activity seems to bear out that shredded supplies are under pressure as the numerous shredders across the country compete for feedstocks, which could dry up as prices wane. 

Several exporters have reported growing demand for full shredded cargoes from all US coasts, and most sellers can only meet these demands if the cargoes also contain a significant amount of HMS 80/20, as most cargoes destined for Turkey usually do. After all, 30,000-35,000 mt of shredded at a time is one to two months of generation for most producers!  

Given this situation, it would not be surprising if a floor on shredded scrap has now been reached. The exporters are now waiting for the next round of purchases from Turkey to see if export prices can remain firm even though the North American domestic markets have declined. 

In other export news, China is considering relaxing some restrictions on what grades of scrap can be imported into that country. Since the Chinese revamped their import specification in 2021, there have been no imports of HMS1/2 80/20. This grade is the main export scrap grade throughout the world. If Chinese customs were to begin approving this grade for importation, it could have a dramatically bullish effect on scrap shipments from the US and other exporting countries. A decision could come this summer. 

RMU will follow up on this potential event. 

Editor’s note: This article appeared first in Recycled Metals Update (RMU), SMU’s new sister publication. RMU is devoted entirely to the ferrous and nonferrous scrap markets. If you’d like to learn more, visit RMU’s homepage and sign up for a free 30-day trial.