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Mining Journal News Agency (madanname.ir): Germany’s iron scrap exports in the first eight months of 2026 reached 5.18 million tons, nearly unchanged compared to the same period last year. During this time, the country’s scrap imports increased by 8 percent, reaching 3 million tons; a trend indicating changes in scrap trade flows within the European market. From January to August 2026, Germany exported a total of 5.18 million tons of iron scrap. The value of Germany’s scrap exports during this period amounted to 2.4 billion euros.
A comparison of data shows that Germany’s scrap export volume in the first eight months of 2026 was almost equal to that of the same period in 2025; this country had exported 5.19 million tons of scrap during the first eight months of last year. In contrast, Germany’s iron scrap imports during this period grew by 8 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 3 million tons. The value of these imports was reported to exceed 1.4 billion euros.
Italy; Germany’s Largest Scrap Buyer
Although the overall volume of Germany’s scrap exports remained nearly steady in the first eight months of this year, examining export destinations reveals a change in shipment distribution patterns. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, scrap exports to Italy have seen a significant increase during this period. Italy imported 1.1 million tons of scrap from Germany, becoming the largest buyer of German iron scrap in the first eight months of 2026.
Meanwhile, lower water levels in the Rhine, Danube, and Oder rivers have caused disruptions in scrap transportation to Germany’s steelmaking plants. Earlier, several associations active in Germany’s recycling and waste management sectors had noted these conditions, highlighting how restrictions on waterway transport have impacted scrap supply for the steel industry.
On the other hand, scrap prices in the German market remained unchanged during October, despite market participants expecting increased trading activity to push prices higher. Based on assessments from most market sources, conditions are unlikely to change significantly in November. Ongoing logistical challenges and high transportation costs are among the factors continuing to influence the German scrap market.
Increase in German Scrap Exports in 2025
In 2025, Germany increased its iron scrap exports by 5 percent compared to 2024, reaching 7.7 million tons. The value of scrap exports last year was 4.54 billion euros. Conversely, Germany’s scrap imports in 2025 declined by 9 percent from the previous year, totaling 3.98 million tons, valued at approximately 2.3 billion euros.
IRASIN