India: Alang scrap market remains range-bound on balanced supply-demand dynamics

• Higher downstream steel prices provide support to recyclers
• Muted mill buying continues despite expectations of firmer domestic scrap prices

Ship-breaking melting scrap prices in Alang, Gujarat, remained stable day-on-day on 21 July, with HMS (80:20) assessed at INR 34,000/t ($353/t) ex-yard. The market remained balanced as firmer downstream steel prices supported sentiment, while cautious procurement by secondary steelmakers continued to limit trading activity. Transactions largely remained requirement-based, reflecting the absence of strong demand from finished steel markets.

Gujarat market update

The downstream steel market in Gujarat showed moderate improvement, providing support to ship-breaking scrap prices. Bhavnagar billet prices increased by INR 100/t to INR 40,600/t DAP, while Ahmedabad rebar prices rose by INR 200/t to INR 45,600/t ex-works. Higher finished steel prices improved market sentiment, although recyclers said mills continued to procure cautiously amid an uncertain demand outlook.

Mandi market update

Market conditions in Mandi Gobindgarh remained mixed. Billet prices were unchanged at INR 42,000/t DAP, while rebar prices increased by INR 200/t to INR 47,100/t ex-works. HMS (80:20) melting scrap prices also edged up to INR 34,400/t DAP, supported by limited domestic scrap availability.

Market participants expect domestic scrap prices to increase by INR 200-300/t in the coming days as supplies of end-cutting scrap remain tight. However, weak finished steel demand continues to restrain procurement, with most mills purchasing only for immediate production needs despite firmer offers from scrap suppliers.

Alang vessel arrivals remain steady

A steady flow of vessels continued to arrive at Alang during July, with motor tankers accounting for the largest share of incoming ships, alongside chemical tankers, a Ro-Ro/general cargo vessel, reefer, tug and fishing vessel. Most vessels originated from South Korea, Germany, Japan and Europe, with build years ranging from 1976 to 2001. Two additional vessels are expected to arrive later in July, indicating a stable pipeline of recycling activity despite cautious market conditions.

Outlook

The Alang ship-breaking scrap market is expected to remain range-bound in the near term. Improving downstream steel prices in Gujarat and expectations of tighter domestic scrap availability are likely to provide underlying support. However, the absence of a meaningful recovery in finished steel demand is expected to keep procurement cautious, limiting the scope for a sharper increase in ship-breaking scrap prices.