Germany imported significantly less steel scrap in 2025 than in 2024. Imports declined by 9 per cent year on year to 3.98 million tonnes, according to the latest figures from the country's Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). In the 20-year period covered by the data, Germany imported less ferrous scrap only once, in 2022, when import volumes reached 3.55 million tonnes. Exports, which hit a record low last year, increased by 5 per cent in 2025. Germany had a net export surplus of 3.72 million tonnes last year.
The subdued import volumes come as little surprise given last year's output figures for the German steel industry. According to the industry association Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl, domestic crude steel production fell to its lowest level since the 2009 financial crisis. Capacity utilisation at German steelworks was below 70 per cent, resulting in correspondingly weak demand for scrap as a raw material.
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