French Luxembourg scrap prices flatten

French and Luxembourg domestic scrap prices are flattening in November in an on-month comparison. This is mostly due to the poor availability of old scrap while new arisings E8 is available. Merchants in the country report a lower intake, particularly of sheared and shredded scrap E40.

The European price landscape however looks patchy, with some countries increasing scrap prices this month. Italian and Spanish scrap prices are decidedly increasing between €10-20/tonne ($9.9-19.8/t) depending on each mill and grade as both Italian and Spanish mills are looking for material both on the domestic and other European markets.

In Austria, contracts for old scrap are also flattening, prices for new scrap are decreasing €15/t. Germany is going through a similar situation with mills and merchants negotiating flat on-month prices for old scrap and some €10-15/t decrease for new scrap, which is largely available, sources tell Kallanish. So far, French and Luxembourg domestic shredded E40 grade is pegged at €355-360/t delivered on average. The mixed E8 grade remains flat at €360/t on average. Demolition E1C and E3 are on average at €310-315/t and €340-345/t delivered respectively this month, sources suggest.

The French market however continues to stagnate this month. Sellers report lower sales volumes due to mills’ production stoppages to balance demand and supply. A large supplier talks about a general slower activity.

Meanwhile, scrap prices in the Benelux have declined slightly compared to last week, despite ongoing supply issues. Exporters’ dock prices were mostly at around €290/t delivered in Belgium and €300/t in the Netherlands on Monday, down €5-10/t from last week. Weak flow of material, however, continues to be an issue, as exporters are struggling to source scrap even at €300/t (see Kallanish 7 November).

Natalia Capra France