Scrap exports from Germany rose by 4% y/y in January-November

Supplies reached 7.15 million tons amid price recovery, while imports fell by 11% y/y

Exports of ferrous scrap from Germany in January-November 2025 increased by 4% year-on-year – to 7.15 million tons. The value of shipments amounted to €3.87 billion, according to data from the federal statistics agency Destatis, Kallanish reports.

At the same time, scrap imports for the 11 months fell by 11% year-on-year to 3.71 million tons, with a total value of €1.48 billion. The largest decline in import volumes was recorded from Poland – by almost 25% y/y, while supplies from the Netherlands fell by approximately 20% y/y.

At the beginning of 2026, scrap prices in Germany rose amid replenishment of stocks by steel companies and increased export activity. The average national price for scrap (grade 3) reached €280/t in January, new scrap 2/8 is valued at €290/t, and shredded E40 at €285/t. Market participants expect stable trading activity in the coming months.

Meanwhile, three German industry associations have sent a joint letter to European regulators opposing possible restrictions on scrap metal exports. They emphasize the importance of open trade for market balance.

According to a study by Ernst Abbe University in Jena, demand for steel scrap in Germany may increase during the transition to climate-neutral metallurgy: to 17-22.7 million tons in 2030 and 14.9-27.6 million tons in 2045, compared to an average of 17.2 million tons per year in 2015-2023. At the same time, researchers do not predict a systemic shortage of raw materials, provided that further investments are made in processing and ensuring high scrap quality.

It should be recalled that in 2024, Germany reduced scrap exports to third countries by 22.8% compared to 2023, to 1.11 million tons. Turkey accounted for 623,680 tons of shipments (-10.8% y/y), and India for 110,890 tons (-73.2% y/y).

Total exports of raw materials (including domestic deliveries to EU countries) in 2024 reached 7.1 million tons (-11% y/y). This is the lowest figure since data collection began (2006). The value of exports for the year was €3.9 billion, compared to €4.2 billion in 2023.