Bangladesh: Imported scrap demand slows as local prices undercut imports
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- Rebar price volatility keeps buyers cautious, inactive
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- Higher freight costs, firm global prices curb demand
Bangladesh’s imported scrap market remained largely inactive, as cheaper local scrap continued to limit buying interest. Meanwhile, container freight costs increased by around $200, alongside rising material prices, further impacting import viability.
Amid subdued market sentiment, BigMint’s price assessments showed mixed trends w-o-w on 29 April 2026. European containerised scrap prices were down by up to $4/t, though bulk prices from other origins inched up by $1/t.
BigMint’s weekly assessments CFR Bangladesh:
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- European-origin containerised HMS (80:20): $390/t, down by $2/t w-o-w
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- European-origin containerised shredded: $413/t, down $4/t w-o-w
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- Japanese-origin bulk H2: $395/t, up $1/t w-o-w
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- US-origin bulk HMS (80:20): $404/t, up by $1/t w-o-w
Market scenario:
Buying interest remained weak amid ongoing fuel cost pressures and uncertain steel demand. Higher freights and firm global scrap prices reduced import feasibility, pushing buyers toward local material. At the same time, volatility in rebar prices added to cautious sentiment, while limited vessel availability and tight global supply further restricted market activity.
Market activity remained limited, with only select transactions heard. Japan-origin H2 scrap was heard at around $415/t CFR, while PNS (HK-origin) indications were near $445/t CFR, though tradable levels remained weak.
HMS 80:20 (Australia origin) saw bids at $397/t and offers at $400/t CFR, but no deal was finalised. Busheling (Australia origin) was offered at $425/t CFR. UK-origin HMS 80:20 was indicated at $385-390/t, while shredded scrap stood at $415-420/t, with trading interest constrained due to quality concerns.
Recent deals:
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- A 1,000-t PNS cargo from Singapore was heard sold at $425/t CFR Chattogram.
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- A 500-t GI bundle cargo from the Philippines was booked at $345/t CFR Chattogram.
Domestic market:
Domestic market conditions showed mixed trends, with local scrap prices at BDT 55,000-56,000/t ($448-456). Rebar prices remained volatile, initially declining before rising sharply due to higher fuel costs. In Dhaka, rebar was at BDT 83,000/t ($676/t), while in Chattogram, prices were higher in the range of BDT 93,000-95,000/t ($757-773/t), reflecting regional demand differences and cost pressures.
Outlook:
BigMint expects the Bangladesh market to remain subdued in the coming week, as elevated import costs are likely to keep buyers cautious. Continued volatility in rebar prices and high freights may also limit fresh bookings. However, improved letter of credit (LC) conditions and stable macro factors could support a gradual recovery, while firm ship recycling demand may provide some underlying support, subject to vessel availability.
