Gadani and Alang recyclers sat on the sidelines last week as Pakistan's local plate prices weakened further and Best Oasis reported no notable fresh recycling sales, with vessel offer levels holding broadly flat across the Indian subcontinent.

Best Oasis's weekly market report framed Pakistan bluntly: "the Pakistan recycling market remained under pressure during the week, with local plate prices weakening further, continuing to weigh on recyclers' buying appetite." Despite softer domestic steel, vessel prices held near last week's range. The Pakistani rupee has stayed relatively stable, while regular imports of alternative products — notably hot-rolled coil — fill local demand and cap the impact of reduced ship-derived scrap supply.

What changed across the major recycling beaches?

At Alang, India's dominant recycling hub, the market softened week-on-week, though appetite for fresh tonnage — particularly larger units — stayed active. Local plate prices slipped and the rupee drifted lower. Conventional vessel activity remains subdued, and specialised units continue to dominate talks.

At Gadani, most facilities are occupied following recent arrivals, and renewed steel-product supply from Iran plus favourable tax incentives on imported scrap add further pressure on recyclers' margins. Buying interest remains selective.

Chattogram, Bangladesh's principal yard, absorbed the limited fresh tonnage on offer. Yards fed on previously secured vessels, while domestic plate prices eased and the US dollar firmed. Market participants flag two policy risks: potential EU restrictions on ferrous scrap exports could indirectly lift domestic recycling demand, and a sharp rise in domestic fuel prices may pressure operating costs and delay any recovery in domestic steel demand.

In Turkey, Aliaga's market sentiment improved modestly on firmer scrap markets and seasonal steel demand, but recycling tonnage supply stayed moderate as buyers awaited clearer direction.

Why are demolition bids stuck in a narrow range?

Best Oasis's read on Turkey captures the dynamic: "the Turkish recycling market remained largely stable during the week, with no significant movement in vessel prices." Imported scrap and local steel prices posted "modest improvements" yet those gains have not translated into firmer offers for demolition tonnage. Recyclers maintained broadly similar buying levels while waiting on the underlying steel and scrap complex for direction.

What does India's liquidity squeeze mean for Alang?

The Reserve Bank of India's recent liquidity mop-up is tightening domestic financial conditions. Best Oasis flagged that this is likely to appreciate the local currency and increase scrap prices in the months ahead — a headwind for Alang buyers paying in dollars for demolition tonnage, and a tailwind for domestic steel demand.

What are the key signals for cash buyers?

• Pakistan beach sales largely stalled; vessel offers broadly flat on the week.
• Alang softer but selective demand for larger units persists.
• Chattogram stable; fuel-cost concerns linger.
• Aliaga rangebound; modest steel gains not yet passed through to demolition bids.
• Iran-origin rebar and HR coil keep competing with ship-derived scrap supply.

The next fortnight will likely hinge on whether Aliaga's tentative steel demand holds into the seasonal peak, whether the RBI liquidity tightening translates into the scrap-price move Best Oasis has flagged, and whether Pakistan's local plate market stabilises enough to revive fresh tonnage talks at Gadani.