According to the latest monthly market note from Assofermet - the association representing Italian companies involved in the trading, distribution and processing of steel, scrap and non-ferrous metals - the Italian ferrous scrap market moved sideways in March in a context of marked uncertainty, affecting both trade and production. Market sentiment was weighed down largely by new geopolitical tensions, which had direct implications for energy costs, logistics and plant operations. Against this backdrop, demand from steel mills remained at satisfactory levels, helping scrap prices remain broadly stable and preventing significant downturns. Only operators positioned above the market average applied small downward adjustments, without significantly changing the overall picture.
However, uncertainty remains high regarding the short- to medium-term outlook, particularly regarding steel mill production programs. Recent energy relief measures introduced by the government have provided temporary support to industrial activity, leading to an increase in scrap demand and supply. If demand remains stable and finished product price increases are effectively implemented, the market could see a recovery in scrap prices, also given the limited availability of material.
Internationally, Turkey sparked an upward movement in scrap prices in the second half of March, with overall increases of around $20/m. In Europe
