Who Buys Steel Scrap Apr 2026

While China produces the most steel, it has historically used less scrap percentage-wise (~22%). However, it is now the largest overall consumer of scrap as it shifts toward greener EAF technology.

Significant regional buyers in Asia that import scrap for their automotive and shipbuilding industries. 🪜 The "Buyer Hierarchy" who buys steel scrap

Traditional blast furnace operations also buy scrap (typically 10-25% of their "charge") to cool the molten iron and improve efficiency. While China produces the most steel, it has

Formerly Schnitzer Steel; a major supplier to both domestic and export markets. Integrated Recycler While China produces the most steel

Steel scrap is a critical raw material for the global metals industry. Buyers range from local "peddlers" and scrap yards to multi-billion dollar international steel corporations. 🏭 Major Industrial Buyers