Metro Metals ships 50,000 metric tons of steel scrap to Turkey

In December of last year, Metro Metals, with headquarters in Portland, Oregon, announced that it shipped what it claims to be the largest single load of scrap metal ever to leave the Port of Vancouver, Washington: 50,000 metric tons bound for Izmir, Turkey.

Ferrous shipments from the U.S. bound for Turkey traditionally leave from the U.S. East Coast, given the reduced travel time and preferred freight rates.

Until recently, Metro Metals’ scrap exports flowed heavily to Asia, especially China, Vietnam and Bangladesh, for decades.

“Asian markets have slowed to such a dramatic effect that we were forced to look to new opportunities, and Turkey was an obvious market to explore," CEO Victor Winkler tells Recycling Today. "It clearly turned out well for us. This deal is our first with Turkey, and (we hope) just the beginning.”  

While the shipment marked Metro Metals' first to Turkey, a ferrous scrap trader tells Recycling Today that every three years or so, a ferrous shipment leaves the West Coast bound for Turkey, adding that it typically indicates suppressed supply in Europe.

To facilitate Metro Metals’ sale of ferrous scrap to Turkey, Winkler says he approached Turkish smelters through Metro Metals’ long-time broker in Hong Kong. “Once they got to know Metro Metals and learn more about our quality standards, the deal was an obvious win-win,” he says.

Metro Metals says its Turkish customers chose the company because it provides volume at a scale few can match, reliability built over decades and quality that consistently outperforms competitors.

“Because of our rigorous sorting and shredding operations, our customers get better product,” Winkler says. “That’s quality they can take to the bank. We also are known for our integrity. Our word is our bond.”

Winkler says the recent shipment confirms that Metro Metals is ready for high-volume export, can meet global quality standards and knows how to plan, stage and execute massive logistics operations.

In addition to its Portland headquarters, Metro Metals operates Top Dollar Crushing in Portland, as well as locations in Vancouver and Tacoma, Washington; and Denver, Englewood and Brighton, Colorado.