[SMM Iron & Steel] US Iron and Steel Scrap Exports Surged 62.7% in March 2026; Q1 Volume Rebounds

Published: May 12, 2026 10:29

Save

US exports of iron and steel scrap reached 1,481,262 metric tons (mt) in March 2026, marking a significant 62.7% increase from the 910,486 mt exported in February and a 4.7% rise compared to March 2025. Despite the strong monthly performance, total exports for the first quarter of 2026 amounted to 3,450,229 mt, representing a 2.8% decline from the 3,549,431 mt shipped in the same period last year. Turkey remained the top destination in March with 286,819 mt, followed by Mexico (265,302 mt) and India (146,801 mt), with the total export value for the month reaching $631.7 million. This substantial monthly surge reflects a synchronized restocking phase in global electric arc furnace (EAF) hubs.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

1 hour ago

[SMM Ningbo HRC Inventory] Ningbo Inventory Declined WoW This Week

This week, Ningbo HRC large-sample inventory was 439,000 mt, down 28,000 mt WoW, -6.00%, and up 24.72% YoY (lunar calendar basis).

1 hour ago

16 hours ago

[SMM HRC Arrivals] Mainstream Market Arrivals Continued to Increase WoW This Week

16 hours ago

17 hours ago

5.12 SMM Global Steel Daily Report

SMM News Flash: [Sheets & Plates] Today's HRC export prices fell $1/mt MoM due to a firm exchange rate. Other sheets & plates mostly remained stable. Market inquiries still existed, but actual transactions were limited. Traders reported recent medium-thickness plate deals flowing to Vietnam and Africa. [India] Indian HRC SAE1006 export offers to Vietnam were largely stable at around $615/t CFR. Market transactions remained relatively quiet, with no major orders reported as Vietnamese buyers stayed cautious at current price levels. Market sentiment was stable but subdued, while mills continued to maintain firm offer levels.

17 hours ago