EU exported 3 million tons of scrap in January-February

In January-February 2025, EU companies specializing in ferrous scrap operations reduced their exports of raw materials to third countries by 0.1% compared to the same period in 2024, to 2.98 million tons. This is evidenced by GMK Center’s calculations based on Eurostat data.

More than 66% of total exports went to Turkey – 1.96 million tons (-2.2% y/y). Among the largest consumers of raw materials are:

• Egypt – 252.98 thousand tons (-26.3% y/y);
• India – 176.66 thousand tons (+95.3% y/y);
• Pakistan – 125.31 thsd tonnes (+63.8% y/y).

These four countries account for 84% of EU scrap exports.

In February 2025, the EU exported 1.62 million tons of ferrous scrap, up 15.3% compared to February 2024 and 19.3% m/m.

In February, 1.01 million tons of scrap was shipped to Turkish consumers (+17.5% y/y; +7.2% m/m), and 83.34 thousand tons to Indian consumers (+81.7% y/y, -10.7% m/m), Egypt – 207.81 thousand tons (-4.8% y/y, +360.1% m/m), Pakistan – 72.44 thousand tons (+46.2% y/y, +37% m/m).

As a reminder, in 2024, exports of scrap from the European Union to third countries decreased by 10.8% compared to 2023, to 16.72 million tons. In 2023, the figure grew by 7% y/y – to 18.7 million tons, and in 2022 it fell by 10% y/y – to 17.6 million tons for the first time after more than 6 years of upward trend.

The global scrap market is entering a stage of structural change: more and more countries are imposing restrictions on its exports, considering scrap as a strategic raw material for decarbonization and the development of green metallurgy. The EU, as the largest exporter, may introduce new trade barriers by the end of 2025, and a ban on exports to non-OECD countries that do not meet environmental standards will come into effect in 2027. Against this backdrop, domestic scrap consumption is expected to grow and its availability on the global market to decline, which could lead to a shortage of up to 15 million tons by 2030.

EU steel production in 2024 increased by 2.6% y/y – to 129.5 million tons. Global steel production fell by 0.9% y/y – to 1.84 billion tons.