Correlation with the iron and steel recycling industry, which supports people’s lives and economic activities
The iron and steel recycling industry is closely linked to the production activities of all industries to maintain a comfortable and prosperous daily life. The industry strives to make effective use of resources and improve the environment, supports the economic activities of society, and continues to contribute as an important venous industry.
The Current State of Iron and Steel Scrap in Japan
To understand the amount of iron and steel scrap generated in the city, we can simply compare the crude steel production volume of electric arc furnace manufacturers, which use iron and steel scrap as the main raw material to manufacture steel products.
Crude steel production volume refers to the amount of steel produced as it comes out of the steelmaking furnace before it is processed by rolling, forging, etc. Since steel is produced to meet orders from automotive and electrical manufacturers, the volume of crude steel production is considered an indicator of economic trends.
(unit: 1,000 M.T)
| FY | Cumulative steel stock (estimate) | Domestic steel scrap purchases (excluding exports) | Electric arc furnace crude steel production |
| 2013 | 1,339,231 | 30,201 | 25,422 |
| 2014 | 1,348,460 | 28,409 | 25,259 |
| 2015 | 1,356,605 | 25,635 | 23,577 |
| 2016 | 1,367,541 | 26,924 | 23,873 |
| 2017 | 1,378,803 | 28,630 | 25,582 |
| 2018 | 1,392,590 | 28,932 | 26,033 |
| 2019 | 1,402,970 | 25,669 | 23,526 |
| 2020 | 1,405,217 | 23,649 | 21,369 |
| 2021 | 1,413,688 | 27,557 | 24,485 |
| 2022 | 26,308 | 23,513 | |
| 2023 | 25,454 | 22,979 |
<Source: “Iron Source Annual Report” and “Quarterly Tetsugen” published by the Japan Ferrous Raw Materials Association>
Cumulative steel stock refers to the amount of steel used in Japan that is still in the country in some form expressed in terms of iron and steel. In other words, it refers to all iron and steel, including buildings, bridges, railroads, automobiles, bicycles, household appliances, and even razor blades at home.
Our industry is responsible for the distribution of iron and steel scrap generated in the city.
The amount of iron and steel scrap generated in the city reached 25,454,000 tons in fiscal 2023, which is equivalent to 6,364 Tokyo Towers (4,000 tons each) in one year. Even if we processed them 365 days a year without a day off, it would still be the equivalent of processing about 17 units per day.
Approximately more than 80% of the iron and steel scrap processed by the domestic industry is recycled in electric arc furnaces, and the remainder is consumed in steelmaking or casting in converter furnaces or exported overseas. Thus, they are given back to society. In terms of the relationship between the cumulative steel stock and the amount of scrap handled, approximately 2-3% of the annual accumulation is generated as iron and steel scrap and this cumulative steel stock (estimate) has increased to 1.413 billion tons by fiscal 2021.