Stainless Steel Scrap Price Trend Analysis 2026: Price Drivers, Market Insights, Historical Prices, Latest News & Supply Demand Analysis

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Written ByPragati Agarwal

Procurement Resource Database

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  • Stainless steel scrap prices strengthened slightly across the globe during Q2 2026, supported by firmer alloy costs and improved mill procurement.
  • Higher nickel and NPI costs improved scrap-route economics, encouraging stainless steel mills to increase scrap purchases despite intermittent market corrections.
  • Downstream stainless steel demand softened later in the quarter, but mill restocking and cost support helped prices recover during June.

Stainless steel scrap prices in China were 1,515 USD/MT (FOB) in May'26 and edged up to roughly 1,540 USD/MT in June'26, a modest 1.7% gain. In China, higher nickel-ore expectations, firmer stainless steel futures and favorable scrap-based production economics encouraged mills to increase procurement early in the quarter. Market conditions weakened later in May as the traditional stainless steel off-season approached, finished-steel demand softened and buyers became more cautious. A moderate recovery followed in June as mills returned to the scrap market and raw-material costs remained supportive. Indian prices strengthened on firmer regional alloy costs and continued demand for nickel-bearing stainless scrap. In Germany, the prices were around 1,608 USD/MT (CIF) in May'26 before strengthening to approx. 1,662 USD/MT in the last month of the quarter, a 3.3% rise. Germany recorded the increase as elevated alloy and energy costs supported replacement values, although softer service-center buying restrained larger gains.

About Stainless Steel Scrap

Stainless steel scrap is the byproduct in the form of pieces or sheets. The stainless-steel scrap is highly corrosion resistant and also has high durability. It is collected and recycled to be melted down and used as a raw material in the production of new stainless-steel products, reducing the need for virgin stainless steel production and conserving resources while minimizing environmental impact.

Stainless Steel Scrap Product Detail

HS Code
72042190
Industrial Uses

Aerospace, Renewable energy, Environmental Engineering, Marine applications, Medical devices, Construction, Recycling

Supplier Database

Baosteel Group Corporation, EVRAZ North America, BlueScope Steel Ltd, China Steel Corporation, Commercial Metals Company, Hyundai Motor Company

Regional Coverage

Asia Pacific

China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand

Europe

Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece

North America

United States and Canada

Latin America

Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru

Africa

South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco

CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)

Supplier Database AvailabilityYes

Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer

Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery

Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.

Our Price Analysis Methodology

About the Author

Pragati Agarwal profile photo

Pragati Agarwal

Senior Business Insights Analyst

Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.

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