According to market sources, at the end of March scrap purchase negotiations in Germany, scrap prices have recorded a stable or slightly downward trend, with some differences depending on the region of the country.
In the northern part of the country, prices have fallen by €5-10/mt, while in the eastern part of Germany most steel producers have kept their scrap purchase prices unchanged or with very limited downward corrections of around €3/mt. As mentioned in SteelOrbis’ previous report, one producer has increased scrap prices in the western part of the country, while in Saarland scrap purchase prices have decreased by around €10/mt. Finally, in southern Germany, scrap prices have remained unchanged overall, with some minor adjustments compared to February levels. It should also be noted that a producer in the same region has reported technical difficulties, apparently related to electricity supply.
To sum up, after the increases of €10-25/mt recorded in February, the scrap market in Germany is starting to show signs of weakness. However, as one source commented, "The scenario remains difficult to read. We'll see.”
