Heavy melting scrap is an important raw material for steel production. It is widely used by steelmakers because recycled ferrous scrap can be melted and converted into new steel products. This makes the HMS market closely connected with steel production, construction, manufacturing, recycling activity, and international trade.
The Q2 2026 market showed a clear pattern. Prices increased strongly during the first part of the quarter, but the upward momentum started to slow toward June. The Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Chart reflected this change, while the Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Index began showing signs of market normalization.

Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Trends in Q2 2026

During Q2 2026, the global HMS market remained firm. Steelmakers continued to purchase scrap to meet production requirements, particularly those operating electric arc furnaces.

April and May were the strongest months for the market. Seasonal limitations in scrap collection reduced supply, while steelmakers maintained firm procurement activity. Export demand from important importing regions also encouraged sellers to maintain higher offers.

Another important factor was the relationship between scrap and finished steel. When steel production is healthy, mills generally need a steady supply of scrap. This can increase competition for available material, particularly when collection rates are temporarily lower.

The market began changing toward the end of the quarter. Scrap collection improved, seasonal supply restrictions became less important, and steel demand softened in some regions. As a result, steelmakers became more cautious with procurement.

By June, Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Prices declined in most of the markets covered in the Q2 data. This did not completely reverse the quarterly increase, but it showed that the market was moving toward a more balanced supply-demand situation.

Netherlands Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Trend

The Netherlands recorded a 6.49% increase in the Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Trend during Q2 2026.

The market received support from improving steel production and stronger procurement by domestic and export-oriented EAF mills. Scrap availability was relatively tight during April and May because of lower collection rates and stronger competition for available material across Northwest Europe.

Finished steel orders also provided support. At the same time, export demand from destinations such as Turkey encouraged stronger buying activity.

When several buyers compete for limited scrap, sellers generally have more room to maintain firm prices. This was one of the important reasons behind the increase in Dutch HMS prices during the first part of the quarter.

Higher freight and processing costs also added to the upward movement.

However, conditions changed toward June. Scrap inflows improved, export demand became less active, and steelmakers became more careful with their purchasing decisions.

As a result, Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Prices in the Netherlands declined by 3.16% in June 2026. Better inventory availability and softer export buying reduced some of the earlier price pressure.

USA Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Trend

The USA recorded an 8.46% increase in the Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Trend during Q2 2026, making it one of the stronger-performing markets during the quarter.

The main support came from robust domestic steel production and healthy scrap procurement by EAF mills.

Manufacturing and construction activity improved seasonally, which helped support finished steel demand. When steelmakers see better demand for finished products, their requirement for raw materials such as HMS can also increase.

At the same time, obsolete scrap generation remained constrained. This limited the amount of material available to buyers.

Firm export demand and higher collection, transportation, and processing costs also contributed to tighter market conditions.

The combination of healthy mill demand and limited availability pushed Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Prices higher through April and May.

By the end of the quarter, however, scrap flows started improving. Export buying became less aggressive and mill inventories became more balanced.

In June 2026, Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Prices in the USA declined by 1.03%. Adequate inventories, softer export demand, and more cautious steel mill purchasing reduced the pressure seen earlier in the quarter.

Turkey Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Trend

Turkey also recorded a strong quarterly increase. The Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Trend in Turkey increased by 7.38% during Q2 2026.

Turkey is an important market for imported ferrous scrap, so changes in steel mill purchasing can have a direct effect on international HMS trade.

During April and May, stronger steel mill purchasing supported the market. EAF producers required additional scrap to meet their production needs, while demand from the export-oriented steel sector remained firm.

Availability of higher-quality ferrous scrap was limited. Competition from other regional buyers also contributed to higher offers.

Replacement costs and freight expenses added further support to the market. When imported scrap becomes more expensive to replace, buyers may be willing to accept higher transaction values to secure sufficient material.

However, the market became more cautious toward June. Scrap collection improved, steel mills reduced the urgency of their purchases, and downstream steel demand became softer.

Consequently, Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Prices in Turkey declined by 1.86% in June 2026. Adequate inventory coverage and slower purchasing reduced the upward momentum.

Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Chart: What Q2 2026 Shows

The Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Chart for Q2 2026 shows a common pattern across the three markets.

Prices increased during the first two months of the quarter because buyers were actively securing material while supply was relatively restricted.

The quarterly increases were:

Netherlands: 6.49%

USA: 8.46%

Turkey: 7.38%

The USA recorded the largest quarterly increase among these three markets.

However, June showed a different picture:

Netherlands: -3.16%

USA: -1.03%

Turkey: -1.86%

This monthly correction is important because it shows that the market was not continuing upward at the same pace throughout the entire quarter.

For businesses purchasing scrap, this type of movement highlights why monthly monitoring can be useful. A quarterly average may show an increase while the latest monthly data is already showing a change in direction.

Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Index

The Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Index remained firm during Q2 2026, but the June movement indicated that the market was beginning to normalize.

An index helps buyers and sellers understand the broader direction of the market instead of focusing on one individual transaction.

The Q2 movement was mainly supported by steel production, EAF demand, seasonal scrap availability, export buying, and higher logistics and processing costs.

By June, the situation became more balanced. Better scrap collection increased supply, while softer steel demand reduced procurement pressure.

This combination explains why Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Prices declined across the monitored markets during June even though the overall quarterly trend remained positive.

For procurement teams, the price index can therefore be more useful when viewed together with regional supply conditions, mill buying activity, and downstream steel demand.

Factors Affecting Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Prices

Several factors can influence the HMS market.

Steel Production

Steel production is one of the most important demand drivers for scrap. When EAF steelmakers increase production, they require more scrap. Higher mill utilization can therefore increase competition for available material.

Scrap Collection

The supply side is equally important. HMS comes from sources such as demolition, manufacturing, fabrication, and other recycling activities.

When collection rates fall, available supply can tighten quickly. This was an important factor during April and May 2026.

Construction Activity

Construction has a strong connection with steel demand. When construction activity improves, demand for finished steel can increase, which can encourage mills to purchase more scrap.

Manufacturing Demand

Automotive, machinery, fabrication, and other manufacturing industries can influence steel consumption. Stronger industrial activity generally creates a healthier environment for steel raw materials.

Export Demand

International buying can change local scrap availability. When major importing markets increase purchases, exporters and scrap processors may have fewer volumes available for other buyers.

Freight and Processing Costs

Transportation and processing costs also affect the final price of scrap. Higher freight expenses can increase replacement costs for buyers, particularly in import-dependent markets.

Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Forecast

The future Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Trend will depend on the balance between scrap supply and steel mill demand.

If EAF steel production remains healthy and construction and manufacturing activity continue to support finished steel consumption, scrap demand could remain firm.

On the supply side, improved collection rates could provide more material to the market. If supply continues to improve while steelmakers remain cautious, price pressure could become more limited.

Export demand will also remain important, particularly for markets that depend heavily on international scrap trade.

The Q2 2026 experience shows that the market can change quickly. Strong buying and limited supply supported prices in April and May, while improved availability and softer demand reduced pressure in June.

Therefore, businesses should monitor current market conditions rather than relying only on historical quarterly movements.

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What Buyers Should Watch in the HMS Market

For companies that purchase Heavy Melting Scrap, several indicators are useful to follow.

First, buyers should monitor monthly Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Prices because short-term changes can happen quickly.

Second, steel mill production should be tracked. Higher production can increase scrap requirements, while production slowdowns can reduce buying interest.

Third, scrap collection rates should be monitored because changes in supply can have a direct effect on market prices.

Fourth, export activity is important, especially in major trading hubs. Strong international buying can quickly tighten local availability.

Finally, freight and processing costs should be considered when evaluating supplier offers. The lowest headline price may not always represent the lowest overall procurement cost after logistics and processing expenses are included.

The Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Trend showed a clear upward movement during Q2 2026. The Netherlands increased by 6.49%, the USA by 8.46%, and Turkey by 7.38%.

The main support came from resilient steel production, EAF procurement, improving construction and manufacturing activity, seasonal supply limitations, and firm export demand. April and May were particularly strong as buyers competed for available scrap.

June brought a change in market conditions. Scrap collection improved, inventories became more comfortable, export demand softened, and steelmakers became more cautious. As a result, Heavy Melting Scrap prices declined across the three monitored markets during the month.

The Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Chart and Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Price Index therefore show two important phases during Q2 2026: a strong increase during the first part of the quarter followed by market normalization in June.

For steelmakers, recyclers, traders, and procurement teams, regularly monitoring Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS) Prices, steel production, scrap availability, collection rates, export demand, and freight costs can provide a clearer understanding of changing market conditions and help businesses prepare for future movements.

About Price Watch™

Price Watch™ is an India-based, independent raw material price reporting agency that provides real-time price forecasts and data-driven insights into global raw material markets. Price Watch™ specializes in tracking raw material prices, analyzing market trends, and delivering timely updates on plant shutdowns, supply disruptions, capacity expansions, and demand-supply dynamics.

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