The scrap metal market in Poland is characterized by a significant surplus of supply, while the import of this raw material remains at a low level. Poland consistently acts as a net exporter of scrap metal, as confirmed by Piotr Sikorski, president of the Polish Steel Distributors Union (Polska Unia Dystrybutorów Stali, PUDS).
This is reported by Finway
“The import of scrap to Poland is not very significant. Overall, we have a surplus of scrap in Poland. We export almost twice as many tons from Poland as we import into the country. For this reason alone, there is no need to fear that this decision (the temporary restriction on scrap exports from Ukraine for a period of 1 year – ed.) will have a profound impact on our market or that scrap will soon run out,” he said.
Competition for Scrap Metal and Market Prospects
Piotr Sikorski explained that the issue of scrap metal import and export has become relevant due to increasing competition for this raw material on a global scale. He noted that in connection with decarbonization processes and the gradual transition of the metallurgical industry to electric arc furnaces, the demand for scrap metal will only intensify. At the same time, he emphasized that scrap is becoming a strategically important raw material, and many countries are already taking measures to protect their own resources from export.
Market Details and the Impact of Ukrainian Restrictions
Stanislav Zinchenko, head of the analytical center, also confirmed that the Polish market has a significant surplus of scrap metal. According to his data, Poles collect 6.5–7 million tons of scrap annually, while the needs of metallurgical plants amount to only 4–4.5 million tons. This means that even without supplies from Ukraine, the supply exceeds demand by 30–40%. Steel production in Poland does not depend on imported scrap, and the excess volumes are exported, mainly to Turkey — from 1.5 to 2 million tons annually.
At the end of 2025, the Ukrainian government introduced a temporary restriction on scrap metal exports until the end of 2026. According to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, scrap is crucial for the Ukrainian metallurgy and foundry industry. She emphasized that domestic processing contributes to job creation, budget replenishment, and the production of goods necessary for the defense and reconstruction of the country, as well as reducing CO2 emissions in accordance with EU standards.
According to the State Customs Service, in 2025, scrap metal exports from Ukraine increased by 53% compared to 2024, totaling 448.68 thousand tons — the highest in the last four years. Poland remained the main export destination, receiving 76.6% of the total volume of Ukrainian scrap. At the same time, the association “Ukrmetallurgprom” notes that exports to EU countries were often used to avoid paying export duties, as Ukrainian raw materials were re-exported through these countries.