Ferrous Scrap Prices Rose in September
Higher logistics costs and energy-driven production hurdles spurred price increases across global steel markets.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Inflation
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Italian ferrous scrap prices climbed by €5-15/mt throughout September as manufacturers moved to replenish depleted inventories. This global trend was supported by rising logistics costs and increased demand in key international markets.
Why it matters
Rising energy costs have forced many steel plants to curtail operations, creating supply tightness that compounded with logistical challenges to push prices higher. The recovery in procurement marks a pivot from summer cutbacks aimed at managing excess stock.
Italian ferrous scrap prices rose by €5-15/mt, while Turkish scrap prices increased by $25-30/mt. Additionally, freight rates from Brazil to Europe jumped from $38/mt to $50/mt, as energy costs impacted steel production by up to €60/mt.
The players
Assofermet
This is the leading Italian trade association representing companies involved in the distribution and trade of steel, metals, and ferrous scrap.
The details
Steelmakers across Europe and beyond increased their purchasing activity to restock, responding to geopolitical tensions that tightened vessel availability and inflated shipping insurance costs. These logistical constraints, paired with reduced manufacturing shifts, have fundamentally tightened the availability of raw materials like pig iron and scrap.
Timeline
Late August: International scrap price upward trend began.
September: Italian ferrous scrap prices increased.
End of September: European price increases concentrated.
October: Market outlook ranges from stability to optimism.
End of year: Imported billets expected to arrive.
Macro View
The September price increase follows the volatility documented in the 2026 global ferrous scrap price index, reflecting a broader structural adjustment in steel raw material markets. This shift mirrors historical cycles where raw material costs rise sharply due to supply chain disruptions rather than organic demand growth.
Rising costs for essential steel manufacturing inputs often lead to higher prices for construction projects and automotive manufacturing. Families may see the indirect effects of these increases in the form of higher costs for durable consumer goods or infrastructure-related taxes.
The takeaway
The recent price hike illustrates how sensitive the steel industry is to geopolitical logistics and energy market instability. Manufacturers should prepare for continued volatility as production levels attempt to find a balance against rising freight and energy overheads.
Further reading
For more on market trends, see the Inflation section.
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Do you expect the cost of everyday goods to rise in your area due to energy prices?
