Stainless steel scrap prices fell amid weak futures and finished product markets, steel mill losses, and aggressive cost-cutting procurement. The anticipated peak season demand failed to materialize, production schedules were cut, and tight tax invoice availability dampened trading sentiment, eroding bottom price support. Near-term scrap prices are expected to remain under pressure.
Steel scrap supply remains constrained by low demolition activity, recycling rates, and tax-invoice issues limiting tradable volumes. EAF steel mills increased operating hours as per-tonne margins improved, boosting scrap usage and supporting a drift higher in prices, though downstream demand uncertainty caps upside.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Scrap | North America | FOB | USD 300.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Iron Scrap | North America | FOB | USD 310.00/MT | June 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Iron Scrap prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
In the North American markets, the monthly average price of Iron Scrap was USD 310.00/MT (FOB) in June’26. Iron scrap prices weakened during April as sufficient material availability and cautious steel mill purchasing reduced competition for cargoes. The market recovered in May as domestic mills increased procurement, before becoming comparatively stable in June. Trade flows also supported the availability of scrap domestically, leaving more material available for local steelmakers entering Q2. On the other hand, reduced imports of steel helped to sustain activity at the domestic mills and supported the demand for metallic raw material derived from scrap. Higher costs incurred on energy and processing in the period acted as a deterrent for the vendors to offer further discounts. However, adequate scrap collection and controlled mill inventories prevented a sustained rally.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, iron scrap prices are expected to remain stable to slightly firm, supported by domestic steel production and operating costs, while sufficient scrap availability should limit stronger gains.
Related Report
Need Latest Iron Scrap Prices?
Get real-time price assessments, periodic trends, forecasts and price driver insights across key global markets.
Our Clients
Turn price intelligence into action with the Procurement Resource Database. Log in or subscribe to unlock live price trends, historical charts, supplier databases, cost curves, and analyst-backed insights across chemicals, agriculture, energy, packaging, and more. Use these tools to benchmark your contracts, plan budgets with confidence, and stay ahead of market moves on every product you buy.
0
+Products
0
+Regions
0
+Subscriptions
During Q1’26, iron scrap prices remained firm as steelmakers maintained steady scrap consumption and supply conditions stayed relatively tight. U.S. apparent consumption of iron and steel scrap was estimated at 57 million tons in 2025, reflecting stronger scrap utilization entering 2026. Global crude steel production reached 159.9 million tons in March 2026, indicating continued large-scale downstream scrap demand despite softer year-on-year steel output. Demand from electric arc furnace mills, construction-linked steel production, foundries, and long steel manufacturers supported market activity throughout the quarter. In Asia, stronger March steel exports improved scrap consumption sentiment, while North America remained supported by stable domestic collection and steel mill demand. Supply-side support also strengthened after Tata Steel inaugurated a scrap-based electric arc furnace facility in India with capacity of 0.75 million tonnes per year, supporting future regional scrap demand growth. However, by the end of the quarter, freight disruptions, higher insurance costs, and delayed shipments following the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure tightened tradable scrap availability and increased delivered market costs.
Iron scrap refers to discarded or recycled iron containing materials and products derived from old-machinery, vehicles, appliances, and structural components. ich can then be melted down and reused in various industrial applications, particularly in the production of steel and iron-based alloys. Recycling iron scrap helps conserve resources, reduce waste, and minimize the environmental impact associated with mining and producing new iron materials.
Steel production, Foundries, Construction, Automotive industries, Fencing and security, Energy Industry
American Iron & Metal Company Inc, European Metal Recycling Ltd, Innovative Metal Recycling, SA Recycling LLC, Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc, Rudolf Schuy Gmbh Co KG, TSR Recycling GmbH & Co KG
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
Team Lead - Market Research
Leading procurement-focused market intelligence across chemicals, composites, advanced materials, aerospace & defense, and energy, delivering commodity forecasts, supply chain analysis, and competitive benchmarking to support sourcing decisions.
Experience how Procurement Resource transforms raw material price data into clear, decision ready intelligence. Optimise your performance with reliable, expert market data and analysis. Schedule your demo today to experience a live walk-through where our experts will showcase interactive price charts, forecasted prices, and insights driving the prices for your key commodities, tailored to your workflows. Contact us now!
Our Team will be happy to assist you
We are just a text away
Still Need Help?
Unlock full access to Procurement Resource's price databases, interactive charts, and short-term forecasts for thousands of commodities. Elevate your sourcing decisions by comparing prices across regions, downloading historical data, and layering in analyst-backed insights, all with our flexible plans that scale as your portfolio grows.
Still have any Questions
Contact Us
Price Trend Dashboard - What's Included
Price trends across a diverse portfolio of categories and products, spanning board to niche chemicals
Coverage extendable to grade-specific chemicals based on procurement requirements
Regular price tracking supported by robust historical datasets
News, policy updates, and key market drivers impacting price movements
Short-term and long-term price outlooks and forecasts
Supply–demand dynamics and capacity-driven market analysis
Track prices, market movements, supply-demand dynamics, and industry developments across hundreds of commodities through a centralized intelligence platform built for informed procurement decisions.
Understand market fluctuations using analyst-backed forecasts, historical pricing patterns, and evolving industry trends to strengthen sourcing strategies and budget planning.
Leverage cost models, pricing benchmarks, and procurement insights to evaluate purchasing opportunities, improve negotiations, and enhance operational efficiency.
Access region-specific price trends, trade activities, capacity changes, and supply chain developments influencing commodity markets worldwide.
