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| Recycled Steel |
Recycled steel prices stay afloat
The recycled steel prices stay afloat trend defines the early April 2026 ferrous scrap market. Meanwhile, stable mill demand and geopolitical uncertainty support pricing resilience across key regions. Therefore, recycled steel prices stay afloat despite mixed supply and macroeconomic signals.
US recycled steel prices stay afloat due to strong mill utilization and stable scrap inflows. The American Iron and Steel Institute reported 1.83 million tons of weekly raw steel output. However, capacity utilization reached 79.1 percent, reinforcing consistent scrap procurement demand.
Automotive recovery supports recycled steel prices stay afloat across downstream steel consumption channels. Cox Automotive reported surging March vehicle sales and tighter April inventory levels. As a result, mills maintain steady purchasing activity for ferrous scrap feedstock.
Tariff protection reinforces recycled steel prices stay afloat within the US domestic steel market. Import duties up to 50 percent on Canada and Mexico strengthen local mill competitiveness. Meanwhile, domestic production rose 5.2 percent year-to-date versus 2025 levels.
Geopolitical and Trade Disruptions Shape Global Scrap Flows
Global disruptions further reinforce recycled steel prices stay afloat across export-dependent markets. Strait of Hormuz tensions disrupted scrap flows between GCC exporters and South Asia. In contrast, Turkey’s EAF sector faces logistical uncertainty and shifting import economics.
India strengthens recycled steel prices stay afloat through rising import bids and tight supply. Davis Index reported $3 per metric ton increases in prompt scrap bids in early April. Moreover, a New York-origin cargo sold near $358 per metric ton, confirming firm demand.
Weather conditions may increase supply, yet recycled steel prices stay afloat globally. However, geopolitical risk and regional demand imbalances offset potential downward pressure. Therefore, recycled steel prices stay afloat across major trading hubs in early 2026.
ScrapInsight Commentary
Global scrap markets remain supported by resilient mill utilization and tariff-driven regional demand shifts. However, geopolitical disruptions and logistics volatility continue to elevate risk premiums in pricing structures. Meanwhile, structural demand from automotive and data center construction underpins medium-term market stability.
