Pakistan’s scrap and steel imports experienced notable growth in April 2025, reflecting increased demand and market activity. According to data from the Pakistan Federal Bureau of Statistics (PFBS), scrap and steel imports showed significant month-on-month and year-on-year increases, indicating a strengthening industrial sector.
Rise in Scrap Imports
Pakistan’s scrap imports totaled 280,635 metric tons in April, a 1.7% increase from March. Year-on-year, scrap imports surged by 58.9%, demonstrating a considerable expansion in raw material procurement. The total value of scrap imports in April stood at $149.68 million, showing a 26.1% growth month-on-month and an 80.2% rise compared to April 2024. This substantial increase suggests vigorous industrial activity, likely fueled by greater steel production requirements.
Metamorphosis in Iron and Steel Imports
Parallel to scrap imports, Pakistan’s iron and steel imports also saw remarkable growth. The country imported 414,209 metric tons of iron and steel in April, representing a 76% year-on-year surge and a 36.3% rise compared to March. The financial value of these imports reached $252.65 million, reflecting a 32.2% annual increase and a 23% month-on-month growth.
Market Implications and Future Outlook
The rise in scrap and steel imports suggests heightened domestic demand, potentially driven by infrastructure projects, construction activities, and industrial expansion. The sharp increase in year-on-year figures indicates a recovery phase in the steel sector, possibly linked to government-led development initiatives and private-sector investments.
However, the increasing imports also highlight Pakistan’s reliance on foreign raw materials, which may impact trade balances if global prices fluctuate. Additionally, the local steel industry’s future growth depends on production efficiency, supply chain stability, and external economic conditions.
Looking ahead, continued investment in steel production capacity and government policies to foster local manufacturing could shape the trajectory of Pakistan’s imports in the coming months. If demand remains strong, scrap and steel imports may continue their upward trend, reinforcing the sector’s role in national economic development.
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