The recycled steel market, which maintained steady pricing throughout spring 2025, is expected to continue on a similar path, according to the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) World Mirror on Ferrous Metals. George Adams, CEO of SA Recycling, reported a stable US steel sector and manufacturing climate, though weakened consumer confidence may result in a prolonged period of range-bound prices. He anticipates a quiet third quarter, with limited price movement driven by lower material availability.

Michael Gaylard of Sims Metal reported stable demand for recycled steel in traditional markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with import volumes remaining consistent with 2024 levels and purchases largely limited to containerized shipments. He noted that while Bangladesh remains an active buyer, mill buyers there are increasingly turning to Japan, where recycled steel exports surged 270% year on year due to shorter lead times and more flexible shipment sizes. As a result, Bangladesh secured five of the last six export tenders from Japan. Ted Taya of Shinsei Scrap also identifies Vietnam as a key buyer of Japanese recycled steel.