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| Ferrous Scrap |
US ferrous scrap exports reached one million metric tons in July 2026. This figure represents a six percent increase compared to the same month last year. Higher domestic scrap supply fueled higher overseas shipments during this period. Meanwhile, global buyers actively absorbed larger volumes from American suppliers.
Turkish Mills and Mexican Market Rebound Drive Bulk Volume Growth
Bulk seaborne shipments drove the primary growth in overseas deliveries. US scrap shipments to Turkey increased twelve percent to 296,000 metric tons. Turkish electric arc furnace steelmakers paid higher import prices to secure these cargoes. Furthermore, Mexican buyers expanded total scrap receipts by eighty-three percent to 166,000 metric tons. Consequently, rebounding Mexican demand pushed bulk shipments above 2024 levels.
Asian Buyers Maintain Steady Containerized Scrap Trade Routes
Asian container markets demonstrated mixed results across major destinations. Total containerized shipments held relatively steady at 257,000 metric tons. Taiwan remained the top buyer despite a thirteen percent decline in monthly volume. However, Thai importers surged containerized orders by seventy-three percent to 53,000 metric tons. As a result, robust international demand continues supporting US ferrous scrap exports across global trade channels.
ScrapInsight Commentary
Rebounding Mexican demand and sustained Turkish EAF operations reflect resilient international appetite for high-grade US ferrous scrap. As domestic scrap supply expands, US exporters will strengthen their leverage in transatlantic bulk routes. We expect global scrap flows to remain firm through late 2026 despite containerized trade fluctuations in Southeast Asia.
