Bangladesh: Eid slowdown impacts imported scrap market, prices show mixed trend

• Scrap trade hinges on post-Eid sentiment
• Domestic rebar prices stagnant amid lack of new infra projects 

Bangladesh’s imported ferrous scrap market remained subdued in the beginning of June 2025, with trading activity slowing due to the Eid holidays, which will extend for approximately 10-12 days. This is expected to dampen market momentum, with subdued activity likely to persist until at least 15-20 June.

Workable levels for Australian HMS 80:20 and 90:10 were heard at $345-355/t CFR, showing a slight w-o-w decline.

PNS scrap from Hong Kong is currently offered at $390/t CFR Chattogram, while shredded scrap from Australia and New Zealand is being quoted at $385/t CFR, with some recent Australian offers dipping to $380-382/t.

BigMint’s weekly assessments

• European-origin HMS (80:20) prices are stable at $362/t.
• European-origin containerised shredded rose by $2/t w-o-w to $380/t.
• Japanese-origin H2 bulk prices stood at $364/t CFR Chattogram, up by $2/t w-o-w.
• US-sourced HMS (80:20) bulk prices stood at $375/t, down by $1/t w-o-w.

According to a market participant, “The rise in freight costs has led to a noticeable decline in import volumes. Sources indicate that buyers are deferring procurement decisions until post-holiday clarity emerges on pricing and demand.”

Recent deals

• 1,000 t of PNS scrap from Hong Kong was sold at $408/t CFR Chattogram
• 2,000 t of HMS 1 scrap from Australia was sold at $355/t CFR Chattogram
• 1,000 t of HMS 80:20 scrap from Australia was sold at $350/t CFR Chattogram
• 2,000 t of HMS 80:20 scrap from Australia/New Zealand was sold at $362/t CFR Chattogram
• 1,500 t of LMS bundle scrap from Brazil was sold at $332/t CFR Chattogram

Domestic market

Rebar prices in the domestic market remained range-bound, though some mills managed to raise offers by BDT 500-1,000/t ($4-8/t) w-o-w. However, continued weakness in end-user demand and the absence of new government infrastructure projects weighed on overall buying interest.

In a related development, the ship-breaking market in Bangladesh has seen a price uptick, with offers rising to around BDT 54,000-55,000/t ($442-450/t) on short-term supply constraints at specific yards.

Outlook

Despite the current lull, industry participants anticipate a rebound in activity post-Eid, with trade inquiries likely to pick up–especially for imported scrap from Australia and New Zealand. Market sentiment suggests a potential rise in buying interest as operations resume.