EU: How much of ferrous scrap will remain available for exports by 2030?

For decades, Europe has been the backbone of global ferrous scrap trade. The region has consistently generated the world’s largest exportable scrap surplus, supplying millions of tonnes annually to Turkiye, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and several Mediterranean markets. However, Europe’s role in global scrap trade is beginning to change. Rather than treating ferrous scrap simply as a recyclable commodity, policymakers increasingly view it as a strategic raw material essential for decarbonisation, electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking and Europe’s circular economy.