European recycling associations say no to protectionist measures on aluminium and steel scrap exports

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) and the European Recycling Industries Confederation (EuRIC) reportedly wrote letters to the European Union, cautioning potential threats to the European domestic scrap industry if protectionist measures are taken in response to the appeal by the European Steel Association (Eurofer) and European Aluminium for an effective action to tackle scrap leakage in a bid to attain national sustainability vision and secure industrial competitiveness.

Image Source: European Aluminium

EuRIC said in a statement that scrap exports by the European traders have kept the domestic recycling market alive, so any restrictions on scrap exports will cause injury to the recycling businesses and the EU’s overall economy.  

Highlighting the potentially harmful consequences, EuRIC urged EU policymakers to preserve open trade and to endorse policies that would encourage the domestic recycling industry to innovate and generate resources instead of threatening their very existence.

“Any calls by the European steel and aluminium industry to restrict scrap exports are completely unjustifiable and unacceptable, especially when the supply of recycled scrap has never been the reason behind any decreased activity of EU mills,” EuRIC added.

On the other hand, the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) brought up the fact that there is no shortage of aluminium and steel scrap for recyclers in the domestic market. The protectionist measures and export restrictions are nothing but meant for artificially lowering prices in the market.

“Rather than artificial trade barriers, we propose constructive solutions including recycled content requirements, green public procurement, and environmental impact accounting,” the BIR added.

The BIR also highlighted its commitment to working with EU leadership to develop policies designed to strengthen European and worldwide recycling industries, empowering innovation and the circular economy.