Global Recycled Steel Usage Fell 6.9% in H1 2025; India and Turkey Showed Growth – BIR Report
Metal Recycling News | 2025-10-29 13:08:45
In total, recycled steel usage in key countries and regions was 6.9% lower year on year at 235.96 million tonnes, during the first six months of 2025.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) Ferrous Division has released the 16th edition of its “World Steel Recycling in Figures” report, highlighting major shifts in global recycled steel consumption during the first half of 2025. The data shows a 6.9% year-on-year decline in total recycled steel usage across key producing nations, reflecting weaker industrial activity and softer demand in several major economies.
According to the report, China, the EU-27, the United States, Japan, and South Korea all recorded declines in recycled steel usage between January and June 2025. Despite this, China remained the world’s largest consumer, using 109.01 million tonnes of recycled steel — a sharp 11.4% drop compared to the same period last year. The country’s crude steel production also dipped by 3%, suggesting a slowdown in its manufacturing and construction sectors.
Meanwhile, India and Turkey stood out as the only major economies to report growth. India’s recycled steel usage jumped 15.3%, supported by robust infrastructure and construction activity, while Turkey recorded a 2.2% increase in consumption during the same period.
On the trade front, Turkey maintained its position as the world’s largest importer of recycled steel, despite a 5.8% fall in overseas purchases to 9.404 million tonnes. The country’s top suppliers were the United States and the Netherlands. At the same time, the EU-27 retained its status as the leading exporter of recycled steel globally.
Overall, the BIR report underscores the growing divergence in regional steel recycling trends — with advanced economies facing slowing demand, while emerging markets like India and Turkey continue to expand their steel recycling capacity to meet domestic growth needs.
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POLL
What do you think is the main factor behind the overall decline in global recycled steel usage during the first half of 2025?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the latest BIR report reveal about global recycled steel usage?
The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) reported that global recycled steel usage dropped by 6.9% year-on-year to 235.96 million tonnes during the first half of 2025.
- Which countries experienced a decline in recycled steel consumption?
China, the EU-27, the USA, Japan, and South Korea all saw decreases in recycled steel usage, with China’s consumption falling 11.4% to 109.01 million tonnes.
- Which country remained the top importer of recycled steel?
Turkey retained its position as the world’s largest importer, although its overseas purchases fell 5.8% to 9.404 million tonnes. The main suppliers were the United States and the Netherlands.
