Japan Steel Scrap Exports Fell Through August 2026
Japanese steel scrap exports reached 4.47 million metric tons in the first eight months of 2026.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in International Trade
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Japan exported 4.47 million metric tons of steel scrap between January and August 2026, marking a 9.5 percent decline compared to the same period in 2025. Monthly figures for August 2026 also saw a notable drop of 17.4 percent year-over-year.
Why it matters
The decline reflects shifting demand dynamics for industrial raw materials across key Asian markets. These export patterns provide insight into the changing industrial consumption levels for recycled steel in the region.
Japan recorded total scrap exports of 4.47 million metric tons through August 2026, down from 4.94 million in the same period last year. August 2026 exports totaled 422,961 metric tons, a 17.4 percent decrease compared to August 2025.
The players
Japan
Japan serves as a primary global supplier of recycled steel scrap for industrial manufacturing.
Vietnam
Vietnam is the largest importer of Japanese steel scrap, fueling its domestic industrial and construction sectors.
The details
Vietnam remained the leading importer of Japanese steel scrap, receiving 1.82 million metric tons, though this represented a 15.8 percent year-on-year decrease. Other significant importers included Bangladesh at 1.07 million metric tons, South Korea at 786,172 metric tons, and Thailand, which saw its imports reach 338,652 metric tons.
Timeline
Japan exported 4.94 million metric tons of scrap from January to August 2025.
Japan exported 512,031 metric tons of scrap in August 2025.
Japan exported 4.47 million metric tons of scrap from January to August 2026.
Japan exported 422,961 metric tons of scrap in August 2026.
Market Dynamics
This decline follows the historical volatility of global steel scrap trade volumes, providing a snapshot of current industrial demand. The data reflects a cooling period that contrasts with previous years of higher output in the international scrap market.
The reduction in export volume may signal shifts in cost structures for regional manufacturing operations that rely on imported steel scrap. Investors should monitor how these trade fluctuations influence broader raw material pricing within the industrial sector.
The takeaway
Global reliance on recycled materials remains sensitive to industrial growth cycles in Southeast Asia. Stakeholders should track import-export data from Japan as a bellwether for regional manufacturing health.
Further reading
For broader context on trade flows, visit the International Trade section.
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