As we move through the second half of 2026, the global recycled steel industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience in an operating environment shaped by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and an increasingly complex policy landscape (...)

• Global direct reduced iron production 2.6% higher
• Recycled steel use developments mostly positive
• Turkey top recycled steel importer and EU-27 top exporter

• Demand for recycled steel remains robust in second quarter
• Logistics becoming increasingly important competitive factor
• EU protective measures likely to support capacity utilisation at European steelworks

• Many companies implementing summer closures for several weeks
• Lower recycled steel prices from key Turkish market
• Volatile freight rates putting pressure on margins

• Sharp recent fall in recycled steel prices
• Firm competition for material, particularly for shredder operations
• Domestic consumption of recycled steel remains subdued

• Recycled steel price peak in May followed by June correction
• USA solidifies position as Turkey’s top recycled steel supplier
• Downside risks persist for recycled steel prices in Turkey

• Summer softening weighs on US and international recycled steel markets.
• New steel inventories remaining low and thus supporting prices
• Recycled steel supplies appear to be in balance with mill demand

• Decline in China’s finished steel exports
• Bangladesh cautious over imported recycled steel purchases
• Policy intervention an increasing steel market driver

• Confidence boost from stronger steel production and easing logistics
• DRI price advantage over imported recycled steel
• Market conditions expected to improve in third quarter

• Buyers cautious but domestic market firm
• Exports of recycled steel continue downtrend
• Crude steel production levels remain relatively low

• Industry makes parliamentary submission over PPS dispute
• Billet arbitrage by mini-mills a systemic consequence of current framework
• AMSA/IDC transaction reportedly pushed back