Scrap
Overview
Argus provides comprehensive and detailed coverage of the global ferrous and non-ferrous scrap markets, with over 1,000 prices assessed by a global network of highly skilled market experts.
Argus’ strength lies in our ability to create appropriate methodologies for the trading dynamics of a specific spot market and to provide mechanisms for valuing scrap alloys.
Participants in the scrap industry rely on our extensive price data to act as an independent contract settlement mechanism, and use our powerful tools, like the Argus Alloy Calculator, to estimate the intrinsic value of highly engineered alloys.
Ferrous coverage
Argus offers a comprehensive regional view of the most active spot markets for ferrous scrap in regions around the world. Each price is available for direct comparison in multiple markets, with currency and unit of measurement conversions available to standardise charts and facilitate detection of favourable trade conditions.
Distinguished by either fob dealer or delivered to consumer inco terms, all prices are aligned with common industry specifications for that region. Explore the full list of scrap prices and specifications, including the length of history available on the Argus Metals platform for the grades assessed.
- Bundles
- Busheling
- Foundry/specialty
- Heavy melt
- Machine shop turnings
- Plate and structural
- Shredded scrap
- Tool steel
- Stainless and super alloys
- Alloy Calculator, where the current value of any alloy can be calculated by an intrinsic value formula in the absence of sufficient liquidity to produce a proper assessment
Non-ferrous coverage
Argus provides the full range of non-ferrous coverage from scrap price assessments on UBC, zorba, taint, tweak, and twitch products, as well as exchange data (30-minute delay LME and Comex prices are standard with Argus products) and global base metal premiums. Explore the full list of scrap prices in each non-ferrous category and visit the exchange data page to understand the unique value that Argus brings through its analysis of global exchange prices.
- Aluminium prices
- Aluminium alloy prices
- Brass/bronze prices
- Copper prices
- Lead prices
- Nickel prices
- Stainless and alloys
- Zinc prices
- Alloy Calculator, including over 200 predefined common alloys
- Exchange data
Highlights of North American coverage
Argus’ coverage of the North American scrap market focuses on spot market trading patterns within the most active regional domestic trading locations, as well as on export transactions. The full value chain is represented in the suite of Argus scrap assessments, from collected at yard to delivered to consumer prices:
- 8 containerised scrap price locations
- 14 consumer buying scrap price locations, including US and Canada
- 8 export yard scrap buying price locations
- 4 dealer selling scrap price locations
- 139 regional US and Canada non-ferrous scrap yard collection prices
- Prime and obsolete grades of scrap price assessments
- Mill and foundry grades of scrap price assessments: Titanium, stainless and scrap alloy pricing
- Southern US busheling and shredded weighted average assessments
Highlights of European coverage
Argus Scrap Markets provides context and intelligence to European domestic scrap markets to help steel mills, scrap suppliers, buyers and industrial manufacturers gain a greater understanding of the markets in which they operate. Argus produces over 50 European scrap prices assessments, including:
- German domestic ferrous scrap prices
- Spanish domestic ferrous scrap prices
- Spanish imported scrap prices
- UK domestic ferrous scrap prices
- Russia, including St Petersburg, dockside price
Highlights of Asian coverage
Argus carries Asian scrap prices from a variety of mature scrap-generating markets, and provides insightful analysis of deep-sea trades and short-sea trades. Argus covers the full scope of steel mill purchasing activity for electric arc furnace-based production, including stainless and engineered steels, in recognition of the global nature of many steel feedstocks purchased by mills across the world:
- Taiwan imported ferrous scrap prices
- India imported ferrous scrap prices
- Pakistan imported ferrous scrap prices
- Bangladesh imported ferrous scrap prices
- China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan imported aluminium scrap prices
- China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan imported copper scrap prices
Argus carries a variety of global scrap prices in each of its three core products — Argus Scrap Markets, Argus Ferrous Markets and Argus Non-Ferrous Markets. To discover the combination of products that will provide the most complete coverage to serve your company’s needs, contact us for a consultation. Information about Argus subscription options can be found here.
Stay ahead of the scrap metal markets
To be informed of relevant content, sign up to Argus Scrap Metal Market Highlights. Each newsletter issue provides key prices, selected news, downloadable insight papers, podcasts, and on-demand videos across the global scrap markets. Our coverage spans both ferrous and non-ferrous scrap, enabling you to explore the most active spot markets for scrap around the world.
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Argentina steel output up, iron down in Nov
Argentina steel output up, iron down in Nov
Sao Paulo, 29 December (Argus) — Argentina's crude steel and hot-rolled production increased in November from a year earlier, while output of cold-rolled and primary iron fell over the same period. Despite slowing activity in metal-consuming sectors, crude steel output increased by 10.7pc to 374,900 metric tonnes(t) in November from a year earlier, industry body Acero Argentino said. Hot-rolled steel output edged up to 334,300t in November, up by 0.7pc from 332,100t a year earlier. Investments in Vaca Muerta, Argentina's massive shale oil and gas formation, have partially supported crude steel demand throughout the year, including in November, Acero Argentino said. The projects in the region demand steel for pipelines and structural steel for energy infrastructure. In contrast, lower activity in the machinery, construction, household appliances and automotive industries held back steel consumption. Demand softened because of broader macroeconomic issues, such as high inflation and high borrowing costs. Argentine mills reduced cold-rolled steel production by 1.1pc to 82,800t in November from a year earlier given the lower demand. Primary iron output fell to 214,900t, down by 21.6pc compared to the previous year. Steel demand also weakened because of the automotive industry, which posted a 29.3pc decline in output in November from a year earlier. In addition, a decline in cement sales signals slowing activity in the construction sector, another key steel consumer. Shipments dropped by 4.2pc on the year in November, Acero Argentino said. Imports of steel-manufactured goods added another layer of pressure on domestic demand for steel, the industry chamber said. Household appliances and heavy machinery manufacturers reduced feedstock orders and production as import competition rose. By Isabel Filgueiras Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Viewpoint: Argentina steel demand to rebound
Viewpoint: Argentina steel demand to rebound
Sao Paulo, 29 December (Argus) — Argentina's steel consumption is expected to rebound in 2026, supported by public investments including in the Vaca Muerta shale play, growth in key industrial sectors and improving economic conditions. Apparent steel consumption — the sum of production and imports minus exports — is projected to rise next year by 13pc compared with 2025, industry association Acero Argentino said. Current apparent consumption year-to-date October is 15pc below the 3.7mn metric tonnes (t) recorded in all of 2024, the weakest year since 2015. Consolidated 2025 figures are not yet available, but the association expects 2026 steel demand to exceed 2025 levels. Construction, automotive and electrical equipment manufacturing will support the steel industry, Acero Argentino director Carlos Vaccaro said in an interview with Argus . Since taking office in late 2023, Argentina's right-wing president, Javier Milei, has imposed a hard-nosed program that has included fiscal austerity, tax simplification, trade liberalization, the partial lifting of currency controls, privatizations, and a $20bn agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help stabilize the peso, which has depreciated by about 29pc this year against the US dollar. The central bank plans to expand the currency exchange rate band beginning in January according to the prior month's monthly inflation rate to allow it to build more foreign currency reserves. Milei has succeeded in reining in inflation to an annual 31.4pc in November, down from a peak of 292pc in April 2024, while making inroads in stabilizing the peso currency after allowing it to depreciate by about 64pc in the first year of his administration. A victory by Milei's allies in the October 2025 legislative election appears to grant him more breathing room for his reforms to take root. The coalition expanded to 92 seats in the lower house and 21 in the Senate, giving the president enough leverage to block any congressional vetoes on presidential decisions. This shift strengthens his ability to advance his economic agenda. But many expectations during Milei's first two years in office failed to materialize, and market participants are now waiting to see what the second half of his mandate will bring, a sell-side source told Argus . Argentina's economy is expected to grow by 3pc in 2026 following estimated 4.2pc growth in 2025 after contracting by 1.3pc in 2024, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Investment in the mining and energy sectors, an existing incentive regime for large-scale projects, and progress in reducing administrative burdens will mainly drive Argentina's growth, the OECD said in its economic outlook on 2 December. Steelmakers eye public investments Government programs will play a key role in shaping an environment that supports steel demand growth. A low-income housing initiative pushed by Milei will boost long- and coated-steel demand. New incentives under the federal investment framework, the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), will add to that growth. Energy projects in the oil- and gas-rich Vaca Muerta shale region also require large volumes of steel. These projects use steel tubes for pipelines, as well as plates welded for critical infrastructure. Mining developments will provide further momentum, Vaccaro said. Argentina plans to raise its investment budget by 48.2pc next year, largely directed toward sectors that consume large volumes of steel and other capital goods. Projects scheduled to start in 2026 include railway upgrades, highway construction in San Juan and Buenos Aires, as well as dams and pipelines, according to Argentina's 2026-2028 investment plan. Argentina's crude steel output increased by 10.7pc to 374,900 metric tonnes (t) in November from a year earlier, Acero Argentino said last week. Hot-rolled steel output rose by just 0.7pc to 338,200t from a year earlier. Cold rolled steel output fell by 1.1pc to 82,899t in November on the year. Investments in Vaca Muerta, Argentina's massive shale oil and gas formation, have partially supported crude steel demand throughout the year, including in November, the industry chamber said. Still, a 29pc reduction in automobile production in November on the year weighed on steel demand. Fresh market for imports Weak domestic activity in Argentina and the depreciated peso limited import flows into the country in 2025, compared with record-high levels in neighboring countries like Brazil . But Acero Argentino expects a surge in imports once economic conditions improve as the peso stabilizes. "There is enormous concern about a substantial increase in imports once activity picks up," Vaccaro said. Local mills face what Vaccaro calls an "uneven playing field", competing against subsidized foreign products and lax technical regulations that allow uncertified materials into the market. Rising imports of finished goods containing steel add an additional layer of pressure, weighing on local producers. Subdued demand and stiff competition from overseas have slowed overall industrial activity, leaving steel plants running at less than 60pc of capacity over the past year, Vaccaro said. It is unclear whether Argentine steelmakers alone will be able to absorb all of this expected demand. By Isabel Filgueiras Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Viewpoint: Stainless scrap surplus may weigh on 1Q
Viewpoint: Stainless scrap surplus may weigh on 1Q
Houston, 29 December (Argus) — US stainless scrap dealers and processors are increasingly concerned an oversupplied scrap market may weigh on first-quarter prices. Low domestic stainless mill demand and steady scrap flows into dealers and processors created persistent oversupply during the fourth quarter and led to overbuilt inventories at some scrap buyers. Oversupply and declining nickel prices caused stainless processors to drop 304 solids prices for single truckloads on 17 December to 48-50¢/lb, the lowest level since early November 2022. US stainless mills seasonally slow their scrap buying in the back half of the fourth quarter, but lower finished stainless demand caused that trend to begin earlier this year, during the end of the third quarter. Global stainless steel producer Outokumpu expected company-wide fourth quarter shipments to fall by 5-15pc from the third quarter, according to its third quarter earnings call in October, which would be a 4,400-11,200 metric tonne (t) decline from the fourth quarter of 2024. The company noted it has not seen an increase in industrial activity or stainless steel demand, and that apparent third quarter consumption for cold-rolled flat stainless products declined by 4pc from a year earlier. Spanish-based competitor Acerinox, which runs the Kentucky-based North American Stainless mill, said in November that economic uncertainty in the US delayed contract negotiations, which usually conclude by October and were expected to wrap up in November and December. Fourth-quarter stainless demand and sales are expected to fall because of seasonal end-of-year factors. US stainless mills produced 538,000t of finished steel in the third quarter of 2025, the lowest level of the year and down by 21,000t sequentially, according to data from Worldsteel. Still, lower mill production does not appear to be the main culprit of weaker scrap markets. Third-quarter production was still 56,000t higher than the same period of 2024, and US output for the year through September was up 9.3pc to 1.65mn t from a year earlier, according to WorldSteel. Stainless mills typically buy larger volumes of scrap in the first quarter to produce more finished stainless, which in turn feeds increased service center demand as they restock inventories depleted during the fourth quarter. US stainless scrap dealers and processors are increasingly doubtful that stainless mill demand will be as strong in the first quarter, with processors facing the prospect of having to compete harder with each other on price as mills potentially force scrap prices to remain depressed. Weaker mill demand has been further exacerbated by raw material softness, especially in nickel. Global nickel oversupply has contributed heavily in recent months to weaker London Metal Exchange (LME) cash prices. LME prices hit a recent low on $6.40/lb on 16 December before surging almost 12pc since then after Indonesian officials announced plans to change their nickel ore price formula and potentially reduce supply. Nickel, which often accounts for more than half the value in commodity grade stainless scrap costs, was down by $2,385/t ($1.08/lb) as of mid-December since hitting a yearly peak of $16,710/t ($7.58/lb) on 12 March. Oversupply was estimated to reach over 200,000t in 2026, according to Russian multi-metals producer Norilsk Nickel, but those estimates could shift following the latest developments out of Indonesia. Norilsk had pinned the blame for growing nickel supply squarely on rising Indonesian production. Indonesian nickel pig iron (NPI) production rose by 27pc to 1.37mn t over the first nine months of 2025 from the same period of 2024, according to the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association at the 2025 Nickel and Cobalt Industry Conference in November. Producers added 12 new NPI production lines in the first three quarters of 2025, moderating from 32 in 2024. NPI is a primary feedstock in the production of stainless steels, particularly in China. Although its unclear whether the latest changes to Indonesian ore production will force different plans, producers in the country had targeted increased growth in output of mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) — a precursor for nickel sulphate and then battery production. Output of MHP from Indonesia climbed by 64pc to 360,000t in the first nine months of 2025 from a year earlier. US stainless markets have also had to cope with a 2025 surge in scrap imports and drop in exports. Year-to-date September — the latest month that data is available after the US government shutdown — the higher imports and drop in exports have potentially added or kept within the US an extra 117,700t of stainless scrap, according to estimates from customs data. By Rye Druzchetta Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Viewpoint: Southeast Asia to support Asian scrap market
Viewpoint: Southeast Asia to support Asian scrap market
Shanghai, 29 December (Argus) — The continued development of steel industries in southeast Asia is expected to provide much-needed support to regional scrap demand in 2026, given bearish indicators like a steel supply glut and an underwhelming real estate sector in other Asian markets. Overall scrap demand in major Asian markets was weak in 2025, weighed down by an economic slowdown, tighter trade measures that constrained steel exports, and intensified competition from Chinese steel. Traditional scrap-importing markets such as South Korea and Taiwan posted sharp declines in demand, given a sluggish property sector and slowing manufacturing activity. South Korea's scrap imports fell by 19pc on the year to 1.49mn t in January-October 2025, while Taiwan's receipts dropped by 36pc to 1.63mn t over the same period, data from Global Trade Tracker show. In November, Taiwan's receipts fell to 110,000t, the lowest level in two decades. A meaningful recovery in these markets is unlikely in the near term, market participants said. A key concern for Asian steelmakers throughout the year was the influx of low-priced finished and semi-finished steel products from China. China exported 107.72mn t of steel in January-November 2025, up by 6.7pc on the year. Mills shifted towards exporting semi-finished products, with shipments more than doubling on the year to 11.75mn t in January-October 2025, given that trade barriers against Chinese finished steel increased. When imported scrap prices trended higher, steelmakers would usually procure billets as an alternative feedstock. The active billet trades kept the spread between Argus billet cfr Asean and containerised HMS 1/2 80:20 scrap cfr Taiwan at around $150/t, further widening the divergence between Asian and Turkish scrap prices. In contrast, imported scrap demand in developing economies across south and southeast Asia remained relatively resilient during 2025. In the first 11 months of 2025, Vietnam's scrap imports increased by 32pc on the year to 5.15mn t, Thailand's rose by 59pc to 1.68mn t, and Indonesia's imports grew by 26pc to 1.06mn t. Demand in Southeast Asia to stay robust Many market participants expect scrap imports into southeast Asia to rise further in 2026, supported by continued infrastructure investment, expanding construction activity and ongoing steelmaking capacity expansion. Southeast Asian countries have also introduced or signalled additional trade protection measures to support their local steel industries, while China's newly implemented export licensing system may curb the flow of low-priced steel exports linked to tax evasion. Steel demand in the region is projected to reach 80mn t in 2025 and record modest growth in 2026, according to the Southeast Asian Iron and Steel Institute. Vietnam continues to lead regional economic growth, with GDP expanding by 7.9pc in the first nine months of 2025. The government set an ambitious GDP growth target of 10pc for 2026, underpinned by aggressive infrastructure and public housing investment, a recovery in private housing and strong foreign direct investment. The outlook for Indonesia and the Philippines is also positive in 2026, driven by ongoing urbanisation and investments into new steel plants to reduce reliance on imports. Intra-Asian scrap trade flow is expected to increase to fill the supply gap of deep-sea bulk scrap. US West Coast scrap exports are traditionally shipped to Asia, but exporters redirected more volumes to Turkey in the fourth quarter as the arbitrage window opened due to a premium in Turkish prices. Short-sea scrap has become increasingly attractive to southeast Asian mills because of shorter lead times and greater flexibility in purchasing smaller lots. Deep-sea bulk shipments typically require cargoes of over 30,000t, compared with 4,000-5,000t for short-sea vessels. Japan and Singapore both increased scrap exports in 2025, and South Korea could expand exports further if its domestic market remains weak. Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
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