Ferrous scrap import patterns across East Asia showed mixed momentum in the first nine months of CY25, with Vietnam and Thailand recording strong growth, while Taiwan and South Korea saw steep declines amid weak steel demand and high inventories. Indonesia, meanwhile, posted moderate gains supported by scrap-friendly policies.
Vietnam: Surge Driven by Strong Steel Demand
Vietnam’s ferrous scrap imports rose 24% year on year to 3.98 million mt in 9MCY25. September imports reached 490,000 mt, up 9% month on month.
Japan led supply with 2.44 million mt (+35% YoY), followed by the U.S. at 580,000 mt (+49% YoY).
Vietnam’s crude steel output climbed 8% to 17.64 million mt, reflecting strong construction and manufacturing activity.
Taiwan: Imports Down 38% on Weak Demand
Taiwan’s scrap imports dropped 38% YoY to 1.36 million mt. September volumes fell to 150,000 mt (-8% MoM).
U.S. shipments decreased 27%, and Japanese exports declined 29.5%.
Crude steel production fell 12% YoY to 12.83 million mt, pressured by weak demand and cheaper Chinese steel.
South Korea: Sharp Decline Despite Short-Term Spike
South Korea’s imports fell 40% YoY to 1.12 million mt, though September saw a 129% MoM rebound to 180,000 mt.
Japanese shipments fell 40%, while Russian supply collapsed 73.9%. U.S. exports rose 20% YoY.
Steel output declined 4% YoY to 45.8 million mt amid soft construction activity.
Thailand: Strongest Growth in the Region
Thailand’s imports surged 60% YoY to 1.41 million mt, although September volumes fell 31% MoM.
U.S. shipments jumped 171%, while Japan’s doubled.
Despite strong imports, crude steel output edged down 2% YoY to 3.72 million mt.
Indonesia: Moderate Growth Supported by Policy Shifts
Indonesia’s imports rose 14% YoY to 820,000 mt, with September up 8% MoM to 130,000 mt.
Tanjung Priok saw a 20% increase to 540,000 mt.
Hong Kong led supply with 240,000 mt (+14%), followed by Australia at 230,000 mt (+28%).
Growth reflects policies encouraging scrap usage, reduced billet reliance, and a push for cleaner steelmaking technologies.
VietnamSteel by Hoa Sen Group
