Updated 18 May 2026, 12:54 UK time
UK Steel Prices Today
Live scrap steel and stainless steel prices per kg and per tonne, updated daily from UK yard data and the CFR Turkey benchmark.
Scrap Steel Prices
Scrap steel prices per kg & tonne →| Grade | Price / kg |
|---|---|
HMS 1 Heavy Steel, Heavy Iron | £0.300 |
HMS 2 Light Steel, Mix Iron | £0.260 |
Light Iron Tin Cans, White Goods | £0.180 |
Cast Iron Radiators, Manhole Covers | £0.230 |
P&S (Plate & Structural) Girders, Heavy Plate | £0.260 |
Stainless Steel Prices
Stainless steel scrap prices →| Grade | Price / kg |
|---|---|
316 Stainless Marine Grade | £3.40 |
304 Stainless 18/8 Stainless | £0.417 |
Mixed Stainless Turnings, Mixed | £0.475 |
Steel Weight Calculator
Calculate the scrap value of your steel by weight and grade.
Steel Price Forecast
Where are UK steel prices heading? CFR Turkey trends, UK safeguard measures, and CBAM impact analysis.
Read forecast →Steel Recycling Prices
What scrap yards pay per kg for recycled steel in the UK. Typical payouts for radiators, washing machines, cars, and how to prepare your scrap.
Steel recycling prices →How to Sell Scrap Steel
Step-by-step: legal requirements, sorting grades, finding licensed yards, and getting the best price.
Read guide →Industry Resources
Curated links to BMRA, UK Steel, LME, GOV.UK dealer register, and market data sources.
View resources →Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1kg of steel worth in the UK?
1 kg of scrap steel in the UK is worth £0.10–£0.28 depending on grade — light iron sits at £0.10–0.18/kg, HMS 1 heavy melting steel pays £0.18–0.25/kg, and plate & structural commands £0.20–0.28/kg. Stainless steel scrap pays far more: 304 stainless £0.40–0.70/kg and 316 marine grade up to £1.00/kg. New (non-scrap) mild steel from a stockist costs roughly £1.00–£2.00/kg.
What are current scrap metal prices in the UK?
Today's UK scrap prices vary by metal: ferrous steel £0.10–0.28/kg, stainless steel £0.25–1.00/kg, brass £3–4/kg, copper £4–5/kg, lead around £1.00/kg, aluminium £0.50–1.20/kg. The live ferrous and stainless tables on this page show today's per-kg and per-tonne averages from UK yards.
Have steel prices gone up?
UK scrap steel prices have moved with the CFR Turkey HMS 1/2 benchmark over recent months — currently sitting in the £180–250/tonne range for HMS 1, broadly stable year-on-year with seasonal volatility. New steel prices have risen due to safeguard measures, the EU CBAM transition, and energy costs. See the live table above for today's exact rates and our forecast guide for the next 12 months.
Will steel prices go up in 2026?
Most forecasters expect UK steel prices to trade in a narrow range through 2026 with modest upside, driven by tighter Turkish demand for scrap, the full CBAM phase-in in 2026, and constrained UK production capacity. The CFR Turkey benchmark is the leading indicator — when it climbs, UK scrap yard prices follow within 2–4 weeks. See our 2026 forecast guide for full analysis.
What's the difference between HMS 1 and HMS 2?
HMS 1 (Heavy Melting Steel) is heavier, cleaner steel scrap with a minimum 6mm thickness — steel beams, axles, heavy machinery. HMS 2 includes lighter gauge material like sheet metal and bodywork. HMS 1 typically commands a 10–15% premium over HMS 2.
How are UK steel prices determined?
UK scrap steel prices track the Platts TSI HMS 1/2 CFR Turkey benchmark, the global reference price for ferrous scrap. UK yards apply regional discounts based on local supply, demand, and processing costs. Stainless steel prices instead follow the LME nickel benchmark.