The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) 2025 World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Valencia, Spain, set the stage for a deep dive into the global trade uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs and Europe’s regulatory changes on recycled metals. The event, which took place from May 26-28, brought together experts from around the world to address the impact of the changing economic landscape on the recycling and metals industries.
U.S. Tariffs and Global Market Uncertainty
One of the major themes of the convention was the ongoing impact of the U.S. tariffs, particularly those reinstated under Section 232. Professor Philippe Chalmin of CyclOpe consultancy in France discussed the geopolitical consequences of the tariffs, referring to them as part of a broader “new deal” initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Chalmin, the world is experiencing a new economic era, comparing the current period to the economic turbulence of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1970s.
Despite predictions that tariffs will stabilize between 10-15% by next year, the uncertainty remains a significant concern. Chalmin emphasized that the global trade system is experiencing growing volatility, with much of the instability stemming from tariffs on China and other key economic sectors.
European Scrapyard Challenges
In Europe, the situation was equally troubling. The European Commission’s new Steel and Metals Action Plan, published in March, includes provisions that could restrict the export of recycled metals, creating concerns among industry leaders. Emmanuel Katrakis, Director of Public and Regulatory Affairs at Galloo, pointed out that the primary challenge in Europe was energy prices, rather than the availability of recycled metals. Despite this, some sectors have pushed for measures to keep scrap within Europe, which could disrupt international trade in recycled materials.
While Katrakis assured delegates that there were no major issues regarding the availability of recycled metals, he acknowledged that Brussels continues to discuss potential regulatory changes. The implications of these decisions could reshape the global scrap market and affect prices and supply chains in the coming years.
Industry Reactions to Trade and Regulatory Challenges
Murat Bayram, Managing Director of EMR in the U.K., described the state of global trade as a “poison in the DNA” of the economy. He pointed out that the current uncertainty is not only affecting industries but also consumer behavior. The automobile sector, for example, is facing difficulties with consumer confidence, as people question whether they will buy new cars or face job insecurity.
Bayram also expressed concerns over the lack of buyers for recycled steel and nonferrous materials in Europe. With several countries considering new regulations on scrap exports, the situation is rapidly evolving, leaving many players uncertain about the future.
India’s Growing Role in the Recycled Materials Market
On a more optimistic note, Dhawal Shah from Metco Ventures in India provided insights into how India is adapting to global changes. He highlighted India’s consistent economic growth, which has seen the country surpass Japan to become the fourth-largest economy globally. Shah emphasized that India’s metals sector is becoming more self-sufficient, with import duties on metals like aluminum being reduced.
Shah noted that India’s push for self-sufficiency in recycled materials would take 10-15 years, but the country is making significant strides in building a sustainable and independent recycling infrastructure.
Conclusion
The BIR World Recycling Convention 2025 highlighted the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the global metals and recycling markets. With increasing tariffs, regulatory changes, and shifts in global trade dynamics, the industry must remain agile. The uncertainty surrounding these issues is a wake-up call for many companies, urging them to prepare for a turbulent future while seeking ways to navigate the shifting economic and regulatory landscapes. The next few years will be crucial in determining how the global recycling and metals sectors adapt to these changes.
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