The Tungsten Export Rule Changed Carbide Selling
In August 2026, the federal government effectively stopped tungsten scrap from leaving the country. If you sell tungsten carbide scrap, here is what the rule says in plain English — and why selling to a domestic buyer like Ironcrest is now the simplest path to cash. I am Sonny Johns. Text a photo to 312-880-8174.
UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
What the government actually did.
On August 6, 2026, the Bureau of Industry and Security — BIS, the federal agency that controls exports — published a rule in the Federal Register covering tungsten waste and scrap. Effective August 27, 2026 through August 27, 2027, US sellers of tungsten waste and scrap must allocate 100% of their monthly sales to US persons. In plain terms: exporting tungsten scrap now requires a BIS license, and the default expectation is that it stays in the country.
Tungsten is on the critical minerals list — it is essential for cutting tools, aerospace, and defense, and the US depends heavily on foreign supply. This rule is the government keeping the domestic supply home. For sellers, the practical effect is simple: the export channel that used to absorb a large share of US tungsten scrap is effectively closed, so more material now flows through domestic buyers.
Why this is good news if you are holding carbide.
More domestic buyers competing for your material
With exports off the table, the tungsten in your inserts, end mills, and heavy alloy stays in the US supply chain — and domestic buyers are hungrier for it than ever. That is upward pressure on demand, which supports the prices sellers see.
Simpler sales, fewer complications
Selling to a domestic buyer means no export paperwork, no licensing questions, no wondering whether your buyer is compliant. You text a photo, you get a number, you get paid. The rule adds friction to export deals and zero friction to domestic ones.
Your material has a clear, legal home
Ironcrest sells carbide and tungsten only to domestic processors — compliant by default, with nothing to restructure. When you sell to me, your material enters the US supply chain the way the rule intends, and you deal with one buyer who answers the phone. Current market ranges are on Scrap Carbide Prices. And the number is printed right here: $18–$20/lb — firm — for clean, sorted tungsten carbide inserts, end mills, and drills, while the buyer boards pay $8–$15/lb.
Sell domestic. Get paid faster.
The export rule made one thing clearer than ever: the best buyer for US tungsten scrap is a US buyer. I buy carbide scrap of every form — inserts, end mills, drills, brazed tooling, sludge, and heavy alloy — nationwide, with same-day pickup in Chicago. Text photos to 312-880-8174 with a rough weight and location. I will give you today’s firm number, fast and free. Sellers in Northwest Indiana — Gary, Hammond, Merrillville — are on my scheduled trips: see all service areas.
Export rule questions, answered.
What is the tungsten export rule?
A BIS rule published in the Federal Register on August 6, 2026 (effective August 27, 2026 through August 27, 2027) requiring US sellers of tungsten waste and scrap to allocate 100% of monthly sales to US persons — effectively banning exports without a BIS license.
Does the rule affect me as a small seller?
The rule applies to sellers moving tungsten scrap, but your compliance burden is essentially zero when you sell to a domestic buyer. The licensing question only arises on export sales.
Does Ironcrest export tungsten scrap?
No. Ironcrest sells carbide and tungsten only to domestic processors — compliant with the rule by default.
Will the rule change what my carbide is worth?
With exports restricted, more tungsten scrap flows through domestic buyers, which supports domestic demand. Current market ranges by form are on my scrap carbide prices page — and your firm number comes from grading your actual lot.
What if I was selling to an overseas buyer?
That channel now requires a BIS license. The simpler move is a domestic buyer: text a photo to 312-880-8174 and I will give you today’s firm number with no export paperwork involved.
How long does the rule last?
The current allocation requirement runs through August 27, 2027. Rules like this can be extended or replaced, so check the Federal Register for the latest status — or just sell domestic and skip the question entirely.
Sell domestic. Keep it simple.
Text a photo of your carbide to 312-880-8174. I will tell you the grade and today’s firm number — fast, free, no export paperwork, no obligation.