Steel Scrap

Global Steel Scrap Market to Reach 727.1 Million Metric Tons by 2030

The global market for Steel Scrap estimated at 543.2 Million Metric Tons in the year 2024, is expected to reach 727.1 Million Metric Tons by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Obsolete Scrap, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 6.2% CAGR and reach 407.2 Million Metric Tons by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Prompt Scrap segment is estimated at 3.5% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at 51.5 Million Metric Tons While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.4% CAGR

The Steel Scrap market in the U.S. is estimated at 51.5 Million Metric Tons in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of 282.6 Million Metric Tons by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.4% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.9% and 3.4% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.8% CAGR.

Global Steel Scrap Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Steel Scrap Important in the Recycling Industry?

Steel scrap is a vital component of the recycling industry, playing a crucial role in the production of new steel. Recycling steel scrap conserves natural resources, reduces energy consumption, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to primary steel production from iron ore. The use of steel scrap in electric arc furnaces (EAF) significantly decreases the environmental impact of steelmaking, aligning with global sustainability goals. The circular nature of steel, where it can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality, makes steel scrap a cornerstone of the circular economy. The growing emphasis on sustainable practices is driving the importance and demand for steel scrap in the recycling industry.

What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Using Steel Scrap?

The benefits of using steel scrap are numerous, including reduced environmental impact, lower production costs, and conservation of natural resources. Recycling steel scrap requires significantly less energy than producing steel from virgin materials, resulting in lower carbon emissions and reduced operational costs. However, challenges exist in the collection, sorting, and processing of steel scrap to ensure consistent quality and remove impurities. Contaminants such as coatings, alloys, and non-metallic materials must be effectively managed to produce high-quality recycled steel. Advances in sorting and processing technologies are addressing these challenges, improving the efficiency and quality of steel scrap recycling.

How Is Technology Enhancing Steel Scrap Recycling?

Technological advancements are enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of steel scrap recycling. Innovations in sorting technologies, such as magnetic separation and advanced sensor-based sorting, are improving the purity and quality of recycled steel. The development of sophisticated shredding and processing equipment is increasing the recovery rates of steel from mixed waste streams. Advanced metallurgical processes are enabling the production of high-quality steel from scrap, meeting the stringent requirements of various industries. Automation and digitalization are also playing a role in optimizing recycling operations, reducing costs, and increasing productivity. These technological improvements are crucial for maximizing the benefits of steel scrap recycling and supporting the growth of the industry.

What Factors Are Driving the Growth in the Steel Scrap Market?

The growth in the steel scrap market is driven by several factors. The increasing focus on sustainability and environmental regulations is encouraging the use of recycled materials in steel production. The rising cost of raw materials and the economic benefits of recycling are also boosting demand for steel scrap. Technological advancements in recycling and processing are enhancing the quality and efficiency of steel scrap utilization. Additionally, the growth of the construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries is increasing the demand for steel, further driving the need for steel scrap. These factors collectively ensure the continued growth and innovation in the steel scrap market.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Steel Scrap market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Segment (Obsolete Scrap, Prompt Scrap, Home Scrap); End-Use (Construction End-Use, Automotive End-Use, Shipping End-Use, Consumer Appliances End-Use, Other End-Uses)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; USA; Canada; Japan; China; Europe; France; Germany; Italy; UK; Spain; Russia; Turkey; Rest of Europe; Asia-Pacific; India; South Korea; Rest of Asia-Pacific; Latin America; Brazil; Rest of Latin America; Rest of World.

Select Competitors (Total 81 Featured) -

• ArcelorMittal S.A.
• Commercial Metals Company
• EVRAZ North America
• Gerdau S/A
• Metalico, Inc.
• Nucor Corporation
• Oryx Stainless Group
• Sims Metal Management Limited
• Steel Dynamics, Inc.

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

Leading Economists - Our knowledge base tracks 14,949 economists including a select group of most influential Chief Economists of nations, think tanks, trade and industry bodies, big enterprises, and domain experts who are sharing views on the fallout of this unprecedented paradigm shift in the global econometric landscape. Most of our 16,491+ reports have incorporated this two-stage release schedule based on milestones.

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