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| European Union DRI |
In the first seven months of 2025, the European Union saw a notable reduction in direct reduced iron (DRI) imports, with a decline of 24.5% compared to the same period in 2024. This drop in imports was primarily driven by reduced demand from key European markets such as Germany and the Netherlands, which significantly impacted overall import volumes.
Key Importers and Declining Imports
Despite a decrease in total imports, Italy, Spain, and Austria emerged as the top importers of DRI in the EU during this period. Italy led the pack with an increase in imports by 23.9%, reaching 606.81 thousand tons. Austria and Spain also showed positive growth, with a 25.3% and 5.3% increase in their DRI imports, respectively. However, the sharp drop in imports by Germany and the Netherlands substantially affected the overall EU import numbers.
In January-July 2025, Germany's imports dropped drastically, with only 25.63 thousand tons of DRI shipped, compared to 383.5 thousand tons in the same period in 2024. Similarly, imports to the Netherlands fell from 154.08 thousand tons to 42.35 thousand tons, contributing to the overall decline in EU DRI imports.
Supplier Dynamics: Russia and Other Countries
Russia remains the largest supplier of DRI to the European Union, though its shipments in the first half of 2025 decreased by 33.7%, totaling 441.68 thousand tons. Italy was the largest importer of Russian DRI, though shipments to Italy fell by 36.6% year-on-year. Other notable suppliers included Libya and Venezuela, which showed significant changes in their export volumes. Libya's shipments dropped by 48.4%, while Venezuela’s exports skyrocketed by over 100%, reflecting a shift in global supply chains. The US also increased its exports to the EU by 3.9%, indicating a slight recovery in the market.
In July 2025, the EU imported only 137.2 thousand tons of DRI, a 60.5% year-on-year decrease, with the biggest declines coming from Russia, Libya, and Venezuela. Conversely, the US saw an increase in exports during the same month.
ScrapInsight Commentary
The decline in DRI imports to the EU reflects broader shifts in supply chain dynamics, particularly with the reduced reliance on Russian exports due to geopolitical factors. The growing presence of Venezuela and the steady demand from Italy suggest a diversification of supply sources. This change in import patterns may influence EU pricing strategies and impact the future stability of the DRI market in Europe.
