Steel Scrap Rates UAE

Current steel scrap rates in UAE. We buy HMS, structural steel, and all steel scrap at competitive prices.

Steel is the most commonly recycled material globally. UAE's construction industry generates significant steel scrap from projects and demolition.

Current Steel Prices

Steel Type Price (AED/kg) Notes
HMS (Heavy Melting Steel) 1.20 - 2.50 Structural, 1/4"+ thick
Steel Turnings 0.80 - 1.50 Machining chips
Cast Iron 1.50 - 3.00 Engine blocks, pipes
Steel Shavings 0.80 - 1.50 With minimal oil

What Affects Steel Prices

  • Global steel demand (construction, manufacturing)
  • Scrap supply availability
  • Transportation costs
  • Material thickness and cleanliness

Steel Scrap Types and Specifications

Steel scrap in the UAE market trades according to international specifications established by ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries). HMS 1 (Heavy Melting Steel Grade 1) specifies prepared scrap maximum 5 feet x 18 inches x 18 inches, free from visible oxidation, excessive rust, and non-metallic attachments. This premium grade commands the highest HMS pricing due to processing convenience for steel mills.

HMS 2 encompasses unprepared scrap allowing larger pieces up to 8 feet x 24 inches x 24 inches with reasonable amounts of corrosion, paint, and attachments permitted. This grade includes structural steel, plate, and similar materials that don't require the extensive preparation of HMS 1. Price differentials between HMS 1 and HMS 2 reflect preparation costs and handling efficiency for end users.

Shredded steel scrap results from processing mixed steel sources through industrial shredders, producing uniform pieces typically 2 inches or smaller. Shredded material offers excellent melting characteristics due to high surface area and consistent chemistry. Cast iron scrap, including engine blocks, radiators, and pipe fittings, trades as a distinct category with pricing based on iron content and contamination levels.

Regional Market Comparison

Steel scrap prices across UAE emirates show modest variation reflecting local supply-demand balances and transportation logistics. Dubai's position as a major industrial and trading hub means steel scrap prices there typically track international benchmarks closely, with Jebel Ali port providing shipping connections to regional steel mills in Oman, Qatar, and beyond.

Abu Dhabi's industrial base generates substantial HMS volumes from construction activity and manufacturing, but limited local steelmaking capacity means material flows toward northern emirates or export markets. Sharjah and Ajman host smaller scrap yards with pricing often reflecting specific local supply-demand dynamics. Northern emirates including Ras Al Khaimah benefit from proximity to Oman's growing steel industry, creating alternative market outlets for local material.

Best Practices for Sellers

  • Material Cleanliness: Remove concrete, wood, and non-metallic attachments before sale - contaminated material receives deductions and may be rejected by certain buyers.
  • Proper Separation: Keep cast iron separate from steel scrap - mixing these materials complicates processing and affects final pricing.
  • Size Appropriate: Very large steel pieces may require cutting for safe handling and transport - work with buyers offering on-site cutting services if needed.
  • Volume Accumulation: For smaller quantities, consider combining materials across projects to achieve bulk pricing advantages - larger loads typically command better per-ton rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

We buy HMS (Heavy Melting Steel) which includes structural steel 1/4"+ thick, steel turnings (machining chips), cast iron (engine blocks, pipes), and steel shavings with minimal oil content.

Steel prices are influenced by global steel demand from construction and manufacturing, scrap supply availability, transportation costs, and material thickness and cleanliness. UAE's construction activity significantly affects local steel scrap values.

HMS (Heavy Melting Steel) is a classification for steel scrap that is 1/4 inch thick or more. It includes beams, plates, and structural steel from demolished buildings, ships, and industrial facilities. HMS is the most common steel scrap grade traded globally.

Current steel prices in UAE: HMS ranges from AED 1.20 to AED 2.50 per kg, Steel Turnings from AED 0.80 to AED 1.50 per kg, and Cast Iron from AED 1.50 to AED 3.00 per kg. Prices vary with market conditions.

Global steel prices directly influence UAE scrap rates through trade flows and mill sourcing decisions. When international steel prices rise, mills increase scrap procurement, driving local prices upward. Conversely, reduced global steel demand eases scrap pressure. Chinese steel production and export policies particularly impact global scrap flows, as China both produces and consumes massive steel volumes affecting worldwide pricing benchmarks.

Related Articles

Sell Steel Dubai

Structural steel, H-beams, rebar, and all steel scrap buyers.

Scrap Metal Prices Dubai 2026

Current market rates for copper, aluminum, steel, and brass in Dubai.

Scrap Dealers Near Me UAE

Find local scrap dealers across all UAE emirates with pickup service.

Get Steel Prices

Get Quote