Scrap will remain a strategic raw material in the future – Kallanish Steel Scrap 2026

Last year, the global steel industry showed sluggish or no growth, which led to a decline in demand for scrap.

At the same time, Chinese steel exports reached record levels, putting pressure on prices and margins. In such conditions, many steel mills preferred Asian billets to scrap. Prices for the latter last year were on average significantly lower than in 2024.

In addition, the slowdown in decarbonization following the rise of economic pragmatism, especially in Europe, has dashed strong expectations of increased demand for scrap metal and fears of a shortage of supply caused by the need to reduce carbon emissions.

Going forward, however, scrap is still expected to become a strategic raw material and is poised to see increased resource nationalism in the form of trade restrictions that keep the material within the regions it is generated. However, this will pose concerns for scrap processors who need to ensure profitable sales in order to invest in advanced sorting technology to supply high-purity material to feed flat steelmaking in EAFs.

Participants at the Kallanish Steel Scrap 2026 conference, to be held in Istanbul on February 5, will consider the prospects – whether the current year will be another period of delicate balance for scrap, or whether the “scrap metal is the new gold” effect will finally kick in.

Turkey, where the event will take place, plays a significant role in shaping the dynamics of steel trade, given its prominent participation in the ferrous metals import-export markets.

The event will unite stakeholders in the scrap steel industry, including global mining companies, steelmakers, distributors, end users, investors, researchers, educators and policymakers. Participants from Europe, the US and the UK will share how export restrictions, tariffs, energy costs, and local market pressures are influencing flows. Leading mills from Türkiye, India, China, and the US will provide perspectives on evolving raw material strategies, substitution trends, and long-term procurement approaches.

Representatives from the world’s largest steel companies, Vale, Voestalpine, Danieli, Rio Tinto and ArcelorMittal, have confirmed their attendance for Steel Scrap 2026 and will join other leading steel and scrap companies including BIR, EMR Group, Borcelik, Foulath Holding, Colakoglu Metalurji, Hangzhou CIEC, VMA SA, Xia Men C&D Mineral Resources Co.,ltd., BPG Shipping, CMC Poland Sp. z o.o, McKinsey & Company and Metinvest.

Kallanish Steel Scrap 2026 will draw participants from more than 20 countries, demonstrating its international appeal and the global significance of the scrap steel industry.

The information partner of the event is GMK Center.

Registration for the conference is available at the link.