As described by SteelOrbis in previous reports, the German scrap market in June has remained predominantly stable.
Various sources have reported that, despite mills’ attempts to reduce scrap purchase prices, the market has remained unchanged overall compared to May. The reasons for this stability are mainly attributable to the scarce availability of material and logistical problems.
The low water levels of the Rhine caused by rising temperatures in summer keep transport costs high, and maintenance work on railway lines - as well as the lack of train wagons in Germany - also contribute to making the situation more complex.
In the meantime, with the start of summer, many market players are slowing down the pace of work, and the market is approaching the stalemate typical of the season. In addition, the imminent changes involving the peace agreements in Iran and the arrival of the new safeguard measures on steel in the European Union lead market insiders to maintain a cautious and wait-and-see attitude.
According to data reported by BDSV (now CMA after merging with VDM), ex-warehouse scrap prices in Germany have maintained a stable level month on month. The sharpest decline was recorded in the E2/E8 grade, while the most significant increase was observed for the E3 grade.
In the first 20 days of June, the changes recorded by BDSV have been reported in a range of - €2.9/mt to €2.0/mt, while year-on-year increases have been reported between €14.6/mt and €21.8/mt.
The prices are provided by Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Stahlrecycling-und Entsorgungsunternehmen e.V. and are average prices for domestic transactions across Germany in the first 20 days of the given month.
| Category | Price: June 2026 (€/t) | Price: May 2026 (€/t) | Price: June 2025 (€/t) | Var. monthly (€/t) | Var. annual (€/t) |
| E1 | 274.8 | 273.9 | 253.0 | 0.9 | 21.8 |
| E2/E8 | 316.1 | 319.0 | 297.3 | -2.9 | 18.8 |
| E3 | 307.2 | 305.2 | 292.6 | 2.0 | 14.6 |
| E40 | 318.1 | 316.2 | 297.2 | 1.9 | 20.9 |
| E5M | 270.5 | 269.0 | 251.3 | 1.5 | 19.2 |
Specifications:
E1 - Old steel scrap: thickness ≥ 4 mm, maximum dimensions 1.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m
E2/E8 - New steel scrap: maximum dimensions 1.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m
E3 - Heavy old steel scrap: thickness ≥ 6 mm, maximum dimensions 1.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.5 m
E40 - Shredded scrap: excluding incinerator steel scrap and collection scrap; density ≥ 1,1 mt/m3, Fe ≥ 92%
E5M - Turnings: excluding iron and automatic steel turnings
