The decline was recorded in China, the USA, the EU, Japan, South Korea and Turkey, while India saw an increase

In the first quarter of 2025, global consumption of ferrous scrap decreased in most key regions. According to the World Association of Recyclers (BIR), scrap use declined in China, the EU, the US, Japan, Turkey and South Korea. India was the only major market where consumption increased.

In China, despite a 0.6% y/y increase in steel production to 259.3 million tonnes, scrap consumption decreased by 1.6% y/y – to 57.62 million tonnes. In the EU, the use of raw materials fell by 7.1% y/y, while total steel production decreased by only 2.5% y/y. The United States also showed a disproportionate decline: while steel production fell by 0.6% y/y, scrap consumption fell by 14.9% y/y – to 13.02 million tonnes.

In Japan, scrap consumption fell by 7.8% y/y, while steel production decreased by 4.9% y/y. The largest decline was recorded in South Korea – by 25.1% y/y, while steel production fell by only 3.6% y/y. In Turkey, the figure fell by 1% y/y – to 7.243 million tonnes, while steel production decreased by 3.4% y/y. At the same time, consumption in India increased by 19.1% y/y – to 10.06 million tonnes, accompanied by a 6.8% y/y increase in steel production.