The local Polish scrap market has showed signs of a decline at the beginning of price negotiations. In a scenario of declining exports, unimpressive finished steel demand and an excess availability of higher quality scrap, scrap prices are beginning to wobble from the peaks registered in previous months.
Sources reported possible declines by different ranges this week, although scrap purchase negotiations by mills are still ongoing. A number of local producers are reluctant to make a decision, waiting to see a move from other European countries, particularly Germany. There is talk about possible declines in the range of €3-10/mt for all scrap grades, but no deals have been confirmed yet.
Increased scrap availability, the excess of E8 volumes available and Trump’s changing ideas about import tariffs are causing prices to decline and worsening the market mood which had recovered slightly in March. Some sources remain positive, but others are worried. “We are waiting for more conclusions [about tariffs], as of course there will be consequences. If Germany and Italy are not able to sell to the automotive sector, there will be some serious problems for us too,” a source at a Polish mill commented.
As for exports, local traders are trying to sell as many E8 volumes as possible to destinations other than the local market, while deep sea scrap import prices are declining almost everywhere, especially in Turkey, where most sources believe prices have already fallen by at least $5/mt despite the lack of actual deals. Consequently, collection prices for export yards have dropped to €295/mt DAP for HMS I/II 80:20, which marks a €15/mt decline compared to the last levels reported.
€1 = PLN 4.2953 (European Central Bank, April 9, 2025)