SteelOrbis talked to Laila Matta, president of Assofermet Rottami about 2025 review and expectations for 2026.
How do you evaluate 2025?
2025 was not a good year for the recycling industry in general. It was a difficult year, characterized by a significant reduction (by 30-35 percent) in scrap generation from the automotive sector and by a greater verticalization desired by steel mills through acquisition and control of new scrap warehouses compared to 2024. Less significant (by 10-15 percent), although still decreasing, was the reduction in the availability of scrap from demolitions - partly supported by the 110 percent Superbonus, but also from plant demolitions due to the closures of companies located in particular, although not exclusively, in central-southern Italy.
Taking into account the scrap demand from mills, the decrease in the availability of recycled steel in 2025 did not significantly affect supplies in the Italian steel industry, due to the reduction in scrap demand which was partly covered by scrap imports by sea and above all by the massive purchases of semi-finished products at advantageous economic conditions.
The price trend was stable overall, with monthly fluctuations that recorded increases and decreases of €5-20/mt. The price increase expected in December, although not large, was not recorded overall, but the situation could change in the short term.
What do you expect for 2026?
2026 will be a year of great changes from a regulatory point of view, as it will change the way we operate in the markets. The current sentiment for 2026 is one of uncertainty, as the regulatory framework, which is not always clear or simple, will require training support that our association has always tried to give to companies in order to allow each of them to be able to manage the new rules while remaining competitive in the market. Understanding, first, and then adapting will be the first two steps to be taken together, certain of the pivotal role that the recycling sector has always played as the backbone of circular economy.