Czech Republic: Ferrous Scrap Exports Stable in 2018

Czech Republic - one of the major scrap exporters among Eu-28 witnessed stability in scrap exports in CY18 as compared with CY17. As per recent customs data, Czech Republic exported 2,126,655 MT ferrous scrap in CY18, stable Y-o-Y against 2,125,474 MT in CY17.

The country produced 4.97 MnT crude steel during Jan-Dec’18, up 9% as against 4.55 MnT crude steel produced in 2017.

Germany remained the largest importer in 2018 - Germany imported 911,479 MT ferrous scrap from Czech republic occupying highest 43% share in total scrap exports in 2018. Followed by other major importers like Poland (449,541 MT), Italy (365,022 MT), Austria (189,429 MT) and Slovakia (172,238 MT) occupying 21%, 17%, 9% and 8% share.

Country’s total finish long steel exports remained almost stable at 1,873,065 MT in 2018. On the other hand, finish flat imports recorded at 4,618,086 MT, up 2% Y-o-Y and finish long imports climbed 8% Y-o-Y to 1,221,130 MT in 2018.

Czech Republic remains the world's 20th largest steel importer with the largest steel producer ArcelorMittal Ostrava followed by Trinecke Zelezarny, Vitkovice Steel, ZDB Dratovna majorly based in the Moravian region of the country.

Scrap exports fall 19% M-o-M in Dec'19 - The country exported 153,449 MT ferrous scrap in Dec'18, down 19% M-o-M as against 190,087 MT in Nov'18. On yearly premises, scrap exports declined marginally against 155,195 MT ferrous scrap in Dec’17.

Notably, ferrous scrap exports in December hit the lowest in 2018 amid the seasonal slowdown, heavy winter and lowered collection rates towards year-end. Scrap exports in Dec'18 hit 18 months low, which was recorded at 153,146 MT in Jul'17.

Czech companies primarily export automobiles, energy devices and machinery to India, while imports from the Asian sub-continent include iron, steel, textiles and spare parts for cars and tractors.

According to reports of European Steel Association, EU construction activity is estimated to have expanded by 3.9% Y-o-Y in the final quarter of 2018, supported by the ongoing strength of the construction market. On balance, total construction activity is estimated to have risen by 4.6% in 2018.

Construction sector fundamentals are expected to remain moderately positive, supported by consumer and business confidence levels in both the residential and non-residential sectors in 2019.

Country-wise Czech Republic ferrous scrap exports