Market Overview
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
High Melting Scrap Shredded Prices in North America
In North America, the High Melting Scrap Shredded Price Index declined during the quarter due to softened export demand and ample domestic yard inventories.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Spot Price faced downward pressure as buyers postponed restocking amid bearish sentiment from Turkish and Asian markets.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Price Forecast suggests a gradual recovery in Q2 2026, contingent on improved industrial activity and seasonal demand.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Production Cost Trend remained elevated due to higher ferrous scrap collection, labor, and energy expenses across key districts.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Demand Outlook is cautiously optimistic, supported by automotive and rebar sectors, though EAF utilization has dipped slightly.
Price momentum was further weighed down by increased prime scrap generation from manufacturing, adding to oversupply concerns.
Why did the price of High Melting Scrap Shredded change in March 2026 in North America?
Prices decreased in March 2026 because of softened export demand from key offshore buyers like Turkey and India, leading to a supply buildup at US yards.
Lower monthly mill procurement volumes and weaker finished steel pricing reduced buying urgency.
Higher domestic collection and shredder intake kept inventories ample, giving buyers negotiation leverage.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Prices in APAC
In India, the High Melting Scrap Shredded Price Index rose by 5.51 % quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter seaborne availability.
The average High Melting Scrap Shredded price for the quarter was approximately USD 369.00/MT, assessments and trade flows.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Spot Price strength reflected clearance of March cargoes and elevated import offers into JNPT.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Price Forecast indicates near-term firmness supported by seasonal restocking and constrained domestic shipbreaking output.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Production Cost Trend was elevated as higher freight and energy costs increased landed import expenses.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Demand Outlook remains constructive driven by infrastructure, automotive and EAF despite cautious mill inventory strategies.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Price Index momentum was supported by limited domestic supply and sustained export parity favouring outlets.
Operational disruptions like the Alang ship-breaking shutdown tightened supply and amplified the market's import dependence and pricing power.
Why did the price of High Melting Scrap Shredded change in March 2026 in APAC?
Supply squeeze after Alang yard shutdown reduced domestic availability, increasing reliance on costlier imported shipments.
Elevated freight, energy and geopolitical risk increased landed costs, pressuring sellers to pass through higher offers.
Steady mill melt schedules and infrastructure demand maintained procurement, supporting prices despite cautious inventory management.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Prices in Europe
In Europe, the High Melting Scrap Shredded Price Index moved sideways to lower, reflecting muted construction demand and cautious mill procurement strategies.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Spot Price remained under pressure as weak manufacturing output reduced prompt scrap arisings and trading volumes.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Price Forecast indicates modest stabilization entering Q2, pending better EU industrial policy clarity and restocking cycles.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Production Cost Trend stayed firm due to elevated electricity, logistics, and compliance costs under stricter EU recycling regulations.
High Melting Scrap Shredded Demand Outlook is subdued near-term, with EAF mills operating below capacity and slower automotive offtake.
Limited intra-European trade flows due to lower Italian and Spanish purchasing further softened regional pricing dynamics.
Why did the price of High Melting Scrap Shredded change in March 2026 in Europe?
Prices decreased in March 2026 due to weak finished steel demand from the construction and automotive sectors, reducing scrap call-offs.
Lower export competitiveness against deep-sea suppliers pressured domestic sellers to accept lower bids.
Mills maintained conservative inventory strategies, avoiding large spot purchases amid uncertain energy price developments.
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Product Description
High Melting Scrap Shredded, universally abbreviated as HMS 1 and HMS 2, is obsolete ferrous (iron-containing) scrap that has been mechanically shredded into roughly uniform pieces, typically ranging from 5 to 30 inches in size. This scrap stream originates from demolished buildings (structural beams, rebar, columns), scrapped automobiles (bodies, frames, engines), discarded industrial machinery, obsolete farm equipment, and decommissioned ships. After shredding, ferrous material is separated from non-ferrous metals (like copper and aluminum) using magnets. The name "high melting" refers to its iron-based metallurgy, which requires high melting temperatures compared to low-melting non-ferrous metals. HMS is the single largest and most important feedstock for electric arc furnace (EAF) mini-mills, which recycle scrap into new steel products such as rebar, rods, and structural sections, sustaining a massive global circular economy for steel.
