European ferro-titanium prices hold as EAEU scrap demand builds
The EAEU comprises Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. It has reinstated a zero-import duty on titanium waste and scrap through August 31, 2028, removing a previous 5% tariff and making imported scrap more competitive for EAEU titanium producers.
The measure took effect on Monday August 24, and could add another source of demand for European-origin material at a time when aerospace-related scrap availability is already tight.
Ferro-titanium and scrap prices remain stable
Fastmarkets assessed ferro-titanium 70% Ti, max 4.5% Al, delivered Europe, at $5.85-6.20 per kg Ti on Wednesday August 26, unchanged from the previous week.
Titanium scrap turnings, 90/6/4, 0.5% Sn maximum, cif major European ports, were also unchanged at $1.10-1.22 per lb, while Titanium scrap turnings, unprocessed type 90/6/4, 0.5-2% Sn max, cif Europe remained at $1.00-1.15 per lb.
Trading activity has been subdued during the summer holiday period, with few spot deals reported. One UK-based ferro-titanium supplier and scrap buyer said export inquiries outside Europe were being quoted around $6.00 per kg Ti cif, although feedback at those levels had been limited.
Tight inventory was reducing sellers’ incentive to chase lower bids, with sales restricted to the top end of the range.
Tight scrap supply continues to support the market
Physical scrap availability remained the main source of support. The same supplier said collectors were reporting sluggish intake through regular channels, while existing supply was well covered ahead of an expected pick-up in September.
The EAEU duty change is becoming a closely watched factor in the European scrap market. One Eastern European trader said EAEU buyers were already becoming more competitive for European 90/6/4 turnings, reporting recent purchases at around $2.90 per kg delivered Riga, equivalent to approximately $1.32 per lb.
Replacement costs set a floor for ferro-titanium prices
The trader also reported sales of standard ferro-titanium lumps at $6.10 per kg Ti delivered Germany and standard powder at $6.20 per kg Ti, saying current replacement costs had established those levels as minimum selling prices.
A Swiss-based alloy trader said European trade remained exceptionally quiet, with high energy tariffs, firmer freight rates and geopolitical disruption weighing on sentiment, although underlying consumption across key end-use sectors remained steady.
The longer-term aerospace backdrop remains supportive. Airbus reported 886 gross commercial aircraft orders in the first half of 2026, up from 494 a year earlier, while its backlog reached 9,222 aircraft at the end of June. Deliveries increased to 351 from 306 a year earlier as the company continued to ramp up production.
Higher scrap competition could support ferro-titanium prices
The market is entering September with ferro-titanium prices stable but competition for feedstock potentially increasing. If EAEU buyers continue to compete aggressively for European scrap, producers could face higher replacement costs, providing support for ferro-titanium prices despite currently subdued spot demand.
From: Fastmarkets
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