According to ScrapMonster’s market report published on June 8, 2026, steel billet prices increased by $10–20 per ton in most regional markets during May. However, the market did not move in one direction. While many regions saw slight price increases, the Gulf countries experienced a different trend, with prices declining from $518/t to $514/t due to regional market conditions.
The report also noted that the global square billet market started May with a positive tone after the May holidays. However, by the middle of the month, the upward trend had slowed in key markets, including China and Turkey. By the end of the month, billet prices began to decline again following weaker steel and raw material prices in China.
For recycling companies, this type of market movement is an important reminder: steel and raw material prices can change quickly, but operational efficiency must remain stable. Whether market prices rise or fall, recycling plants need to improve material recovery, reduce contamination, and process mixed materials more efficiently.
In scrap metal recycling, ferrous and non-ferrous separation is a key part of the process. Ferrous metals such as iron and steel must often be removed before downstream non-ferrous recovery. Proper MAGNETic separation can help reduce equipment wear, protect downstream machines, and improve the quality of the remaining material stream.
For complex materials such as ASR, Zorba, mixed scrap, IBA, glass, plastics, and UBC, a complete sorting process is often more effective than a single machine. MAGNETIC-SEPARATOR-p.html target='_blank'>MAGNETIC SEPARATORs can remove iron and steel. TROMMEL screens can help control material size and improve feeding stability. EDDY CURRENT SEPARATORs can then recover valuable non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, brass, and zinc from the remaining material stream.
CurrenTek provides MAGNETIC SEPARATORs, EDDY CURRENT SEPARATORs, TROMMEL screens, and complete recycling sorting solutions for different material conditions and plant layouts. By combining the right equipment with a suitable process design, recycling operators can improve recovery rate, increase material purity, and reduce the loss of valuable metals.
As steel and raw material markets continue to fluctuate, recycling plants need reliable equipment that supports stable daily operation. A well-designed separation system can help recyclers turn mixed waste streams into cleaner, higher-value materials while improving long-term processing efficiency.
For operators handling scrap metal, ASR, Zorba, plastics, UBC, glass, or IBA, improving separation efficiency is a practical way to strengthen competitiveness in a changing market.
