India: Alang’s ship-breaking scrap prices remain firm despite cautious steel demand

• Higher steel prices support market sentiment
• Domestic scrap retains cost advantage over imports

Ship-breaking melting scrap prices in Alang, Gujarat, remained stable d-o-d on 20 July, with HMS (80:20) assessed at INR 34,000/t ex-yard. The market continued to draw support from steady domestic scrap procurement, even as steel demand remained cautious. Higher steel prices supported market sentiment, while elevated imported scrap costs kept buying interest focused on locally available material. Trading activity remained largely requirement-based, reflecting a balanced supply-demand situation despite the absence of aggressive purchasing.

Gujarat market update

The downstream steel market in Gujarat showed modest improvement, lending support to scrap sentiment. Bhavnagar billet prices increased by INR 100/t at INR 40,500/t DAP, while Ahmedabad rebar prices edged up by INR 100/t at INR 45,400/t ex-works on localised demand. Although buying remained cautious, the improvement in finished steel prices helped maintain stable procurement of ship-breaking scrap.

Mandi market update

Market sentiment in Mandi Gobindgarh remained cautious despite gains in finished steel prices. Billet prices rose to INR 42,100/t DAP, while rebar prices increased to INR 46,900/t ex-works. HMS (80:20) melting scrap prices held steady at INR 34,300/t DAP as mills continued to procure only for immediate production needs. Imported scrap remained uncompetitive due to elevated landed costs caused by a wider bid-offer gap, persistent geopolitical tensions, and a stronger US dollar. Consequently, domestic melting scrap and sponge iron continued to dominate raw material procurement, reinforcing the preference for locally available feedstock.

Outlook

The Alang market is expected to remain stable in the near term as domestic scrap continues to offer a cost advantage over imported alternatives. Market participants expect mills to maintain requirement-based procurement while relying on domestic scrap and sponge iron until imported material becomes competitively priced through easing geopolitical risks, narrower bid-offer spreads or a softer dollar. Stable downstream steel prices are likely to keep overall market sentiment balanced.