Bangladesh: Imported ferrous scrap prices rise w-o-w on tighter local scrap and firmer rebar levels

• • Local scrap shortage lifts sentiment despite weak steel demand

• • Ship recycling activity improves, though margins remain pressured

Imported ferrous scrap prices into Bangladesh firmed w-o-w in the week ended 4 February, supported by higher containerised cargo values amid tightening global supply. Market participants noted that sentiment turned slightly positive, as reduced local scrap availability encouraged more active buying and improved near-term price support.

BigMint’s weekly assessments:

• • European-origin HMS (80:20) assessed at $350/t, up by $2/t w-o-w.

• • European-origin containerised shredded increases by $1/t w-o-w to $370/t.

• • Japanese-origin H2 bulk down by $2/t w-o-w to $348/t.

• • US-origin HMS (80:20) bulk rise by $4/ w-o-w at $371/t.

Market commentary:

A Dhaka-based scrap trader commented that local scrap is currently available at around BDT 49,000-50,000/t ($401-409/t). On the finished steel side, branded rebar prices in Chattogram are assessed at BDT 81,500-83,500/t ($667-684/t) and have largely remained unchanged in recent weeks. However, non-branded rebar prices have increased by around BDT 5,000/t ($41/t), now trading in the BDT 79,000-80,000/t ($647-655/t) range, reflecting tighter availability and selective buying despite subdued overall demand.

Domestic scrap is currently assessed in the BDT 52,000-53,000/t ($426-434/t) range, with lower-grade material available around BDT 51,500/t ($422/t). Limited local scrap supply, combined with pre-election positioning, supported a modest pickup in buying interest, keeping overall sentiment mildly firm ahead of the polls.

A US-based scrap trader said PNS from Malaysia/Singapore is being offered at around $380/t CFR Chattogram, while HMS 90:10 is quoted near $370/t CFR, with negotiations ongoing at this level, and no bulk offers from the US have been heard so far; he added that a 1,000-t cargo of Australian-origin HMS 90:10 was recently concluded at $360/t CFR Chattogram, with HMS 80:20 from Australia offered at $350-355/t, and indicative Australia-to-Bangladesh prices seen at $345-350/t for HMS 80:20, $355-360/t for HMS 1, $365-370/t for shredded, and $370-375/t for PNS.

As per market insiders, bid-offer gaps remained narrow, with US West Coast bulk HMS 80:20 offered at $370-375/t CFR against bids of $360-362/t CFR, while shredded scrap was offered at $375-380/t CFR with bids seen at $365-370/t CFR.

Ship recycling: Bangladeshi buyers returned to the market by securing the only reported Capesize bulker at firm levels, despite recent yard congestion and financial pressure. Activity in Chattogram also improved, with multiple tanker arrivals. However, fundamentals remain weak, as steel plate prices hovered near $487/t and the taka softened to BDT 122.95, pressuring margins. Election-related uncertainty continues to weigh on sentiment, while competition for HKC-compliant tonnage remains firm, supported by 22 approved yards.

Outlook:

In the near term, Bangladeshs scrap market is expected to remain firm but cautious ahead of the upcoming elections. Pre-election positioning and tight local scrap availability are likely to continue supporting import prices and containerised cargo demand. Post-election clarity could gradually improve buyer confidence and liquidity, potentially allowing a modest pickup in trading activity if political stability is maintained.