SB Special Insight: Alang Scrap Market Holds Steady in April 2025 — Price Stability Signals Sentiment Shift

India’s ship recycling market at Alang has entered a phase of consolidation, with scrap prices, especially HMS 80:20, holding flat at ₹35,000/t as of mid-April 2025. Following months of volatility, this price pause marks a shift in sentiment — from reactive pricing to cautious optimism.

🔍 Key Highlights – April 2025 Snapshot
📊 Flat Price Action Across Grades

HMS 80:20 (exy-Alang): ₹35,000/t

Attachment: ₹36,500/t

5–10 Kg Scrap: ₹39,200/t

1 Inch: ₹41,100/t

No Day-over-Day (D-o-D) changes reported across all major scrap grades.

⚙️ Market Behavior: From Volatility to Value Holding
1️⃣ Stability After March Surge
March witnessed a robust rebound in scrap prices, recovering from February’s lows (₹33,000–₹33,500/t range). The momentum, however, has moderated in April as mills recalibrate purchase volumes amid consistent inflows.

2️⃣ Sentiment Anchored by Steady Demand
While bulk buying has slowed, sustained procurement from rolling mills and foundries is providing a floor to current pricing. Ship arrivals at Alang have also normalized, balancing demand and supply pressures.

3️⃣ No Fresh Upside Catalysts — Yet
With no new export triggers or regulatory changes, the market is currently rangebound. Traders are watching closely for potential triggers such as global scrap movements or logistical tightening in steel-making clusters.

📈 Price Trend Tracker:
The HMS 80:20 price line from Sep 2024 to Apr 2025 highlights cyclical troughs and rallies — from sub-₹33,000/t lows to peaks near ₹36,000/t. The current consolidation zone around ₹35,000/t reflects market digestion of earlier gains.

🔮 Outlook: Rangebound to Mildly Bullish
Short-Term: Prices expected to stay flat to mildly bullish as inventory levels remain lean and mills maintain routine intake.

Watch For: Sudden supply shocks (e.g., ship arrival delays), or shifts in scrap availability from the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

💡 SteelBazaar Insight:
In scrap-dominated segments like Alang, reading the “no change” moments is key — they often precede directional shifts. SteelBazaar’s live market tracking ensures you don’t just watch the market, you anticipate it.