East Asian ferrous scrap imports show mixed trends across key geographic regions in 9MCY25

Regional trends for ferrous scrap in East Asia have been mixed, with Vietnam and Taiwan experiencing sharp declines in imports due to weak steel demand, high inventories, and cheaper alternatives. South Korea also fell year-on-year, despite a short rise driven by restocking. Meanwhile, Thailand showed strong growth due to higher scrap utilization and improved supply, while Indonesia recorded moderate growth supported by policies encouraging increased scrap use.

Vietnam: Imported ferrous scrap in Vietnam increased by 24 percent year-on-year to 3.98 million tons in 9MCY'25, compared with 3.2 million tons in 9MCY'24. In September 25, imports totaled 490,000 tons, up 9 percent per month from 450,000 tons in August 25.

Vietnamese imports of ferrous scrap were led by Japan, whose shipments increased by 35 percent to 2.44 million tons in 9MCY '25 from 1.81 million tons last year. The United States also increased its share, increasing exports by 49 percent to 580,000 tons from 390,000 tons in 9MCY'24.

Imports of ferrous scrap in Vietnam continued to grow in September, driven by strong domestic demand for steel and the high use of scrap in EDP-based production. The growth reflects an increase in consumption due to the expansion of construction and manufacturing activities, while maintaining dependence on imported scrap. Vietnam's crude steel production increased by 8 percent to 17.64 million tons in 9MCY'25 from 16.41 million tons.

Taiwan: Taiwans ferrous scrap imports fell 36 percent year-on-year to 1.36 million tons in 9MCY25, down from 2.12 million