Japan Steel Scrap Exports Dropped 9.5% Through August
Manufacturers and recyclers should note shifting export demand as major regional importers recalibrate intake.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in International Trade
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Japan exported 4.47 million metric tons of steel scrap between January and August 2026, a 9.5 percent decline compared to the same period in 2025. This decrease in outbound volume reflects shifting consumption patterns across key Asian manufacturing markets.
Why it matters
For global operators in the steel supply chain, the contraction signals potential adjustments in regional raw material availability and pricing. Fluctuating import demand from industrial hubs like Vietnam and South Korea necessitates a re-evaluation of procurement strategies for those reliant on Japanese scrap.
Japan recorded total scrap exports of 4.47 million metric tons through August 2026, marking a 9.5 percent drop year-over-year. While Vietnam remained the top importer at 1.82 million metric tons, its intake fell 15.8 percent, contrasting with Thailand’s increase to 338,652 metric tons.
The players
Japan
A major global industrial power that serves as a primary supplier of high-quality steel scrap to the Asian manufacturing market.
Vietnam
The largest importer of Japanese steel scrap, operating a substantial base of construction and industrial manufacturing firms.
The details
The decline in export volume was confirmed by official customs data, tracking the flow of materials from Japan to major industrial destinations including Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, and Thailand. August 2026 alone saw exports reach 422,961 metric tons, a 17.4 percent decrease compared to August 2025. These shifts in throughput reflect the underlying procurement behavior of mills and industrial processors across Asia who manage inventory based on local production demands.
Timeline
January-August 2025: Japan exported 4.94 million metric tons of scrap.
August 2025: Japan exported 512,031 metric tons of scrap.
January-August 2026: Japan exported 4.47 million metric tons of scrap.
August 2026: Japan exported 422,961 metric tons of scrap.
Market Landscape
The contraction in Japanese exports aligns with the historical volatility of steel scrap import demand in Southeast Asia. This trend reflects the broader regional dependence on imported raw materials for industrial scaling as manufacturers manage the impact of fluctuating market prices.
Operators in the scrap and steel sectors should monitor monthly customs figures to anticipate price adjustments in regional feedstocks. Procurement managers must factor in the 15.8 percent import decline from Vietnam as a signal to secure supply chain alternatives for the final quarter.
The takeaway
The drop in Japanese exports highlights a tightening regional market that demands more agile sourcing by steel producers. Track monthly intake volumes in Thailand and Vietnam to gauge if these shifts represent a long-term change in industrial manufacturing appetites.
Further reading
For broader trends in global material flows, see International Trade.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Steelorbis.
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