Turkey Enters Containerised Ferrous Scrap Market

Why It Matters

Containerised imports give Turkish steelmakers a flexible, diversified supply source, easing pressure on an already constrained global scrap market and reshaping trade flows.

Key Takeaways

• Turkey imports 75% of its steel scrap needs
• Container shipments now target Turkish inland mills
• UK suppliers Mellor Metals and Glazewing provided first lots
• Turkish scrap imports fell 7% to 18.67 mn t in 2025
• Asian container trade shifted due to low demand, freight economics

Pulse Analysis

Turkey’s steel sector has long depended on bulk carriers to satisfy roughly three‑quarters of its scrap requirements, with most shipments arriving from Europe and the United States. The recent pivot to containerised ferrous scrap, spearheaded by Stelaris Resources, reflects a confluence of factors: a slump in Asian demand, rising freight costs for bulk vessels, and the logistical efficiency of container transport. By sourcing from UK suppliers Mellor Metals and Glazewing, Turkish mills can now secure specific grades in smaller, more predictable batches, mitigating the volatility that has plagued bulk markets.

For Turkish producers, the ability to receive containers directly at inland facilities is a strategic game‑changer. It eliminates the need for transshipment at deep‑water ports, reduces handling costs, and enables precise inventory management—critical as the country’s total scrap imports fell 7% to 18.67 million tonnes in 2025. This flexibility complements the surge in hot‑briquetted iron and pig iron imports, which have risen sharply as mills grapple with high costs and limited bulk scrap availability. The container model thus supports a more resilient supply chain, allowing mills to blend scrap with HBI to meet quality targets while controlling expenses.

Globally, Turkey’s entry into the containerised scrap market could reshape trade dynamics. Exporters that previously shipped exclusively to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh now have access to the world’s largest scrap buyer, potentially diverting volumes from traditional routes. As freight economics continue to favour containers, other regions may emulate Turkey’s approach, prompting a broader shift toward modular, grade‑specific scrap logistics. Industry analysts anticipate steady growth in container volumes to Turkey, signaling a longer‑term transformation in how ferrous scrap is sourced and delivered worldwide.