According to Assofermet, an association representing Italian companies involved in the trade, distribution and processing of steel, scrap and non-ferrous metals, in its regular monthly market overview, the Italian ferrous scrap market went through two separate phases in April. After an initial period marked by generally stable prices supported by regular demand from steel producers, the market showed signs of recovery in the last half of the month, with growth of about 10 euros/ton. This shift was mainly due to pressure from international markets, especially Turkey, as well as increased manufacturing activity towards the end of the month. At the beginning of May, market sentiment seems to be focused on consolidating the upward trend, which is facilitated by the limited availability of finished material at factories and a more positive trend in sales of finished steel. However, the overall picture remains cautious: some steel producers are already insured until the middle of the month and may maintain reduced production schedules, while energy costs continue to be a source of uncertainty.
On the international front, the Turkish scrap market recorded an increase of about $10 per ton in April, while the price increase in Europe was more pronounced - about 15 euros per ton. In Spain, demand remained stable, although volumes were limited. In Asia, Pakistan followed the Turkish upward trend more closely, while India recorded lower price levels, which were disrupted by weaker demand and increased use of more competitive alternative raw materials such as sponge iron.
In the stainless steel scrap segment, April confirmed the sideways price trend. Quotations remained stable despite the strengthening of nickel prices on the LME, partly due to steel companies' greater dependence on slab purchases, which reduced their demand for stainless steel scrap. The availability of materials remains limited, and exchange rate volatility continues to affect trading activity. In specialized segments, high-speed steels have confirmed that demand is concentrated on higher grades, while superalloys continue to suffer from weak activity and sluggish demand.
As for the refining of pig iron, a new increase in dollar quotations for materials of Brazilian and Ukrainian origin was recorded in April, although this increase was not fully absorbed by steel companies that resisted the new price level. In the hematite cast iron segment, the holiday calendar has forced many foundries to schedule long shutdowns
