ReMA Opposes European Push for Export Restrictions on Recycled Steel

Robin K. Wiener, president of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), has spoken out against European proposals to restrict the export of recycled steel. These proposals were made during the Summit on the Future of the European Steel Industry. Several EU nations, including Belgium, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain, are pushing for limits on the export of recycled steel. These restrictions could harm global supply chains and recycling efforts.

Global Impact of Recycled Steel Export Restrictions

ReMA, along with its global partners, argues that export restrictions will disrupt the global manufacturing supply chain. Wiener stressed that recycled materials are essential to meeting more than 40% of the world’s raw material needs. By restricting the free flow of these materials, manufacturers will lose access to vital, sustainable inputs.

Why ReMA Opposes the Export Restrictions

Both the U.S. and the EU are net exporters of recycled materials. Most recyclables in these regions are used domestically. However, demand from global manufacturers for sustainable materials is growing. Restricting the export of these materials could harm the recycling industry’s competitiveness and slow down the development of a sustainable manufacturing supply chain.

Wiener warned that such trade restrictions would leave materials without demand. This could lead to less recycling,

fewer investments in the industry, and job losses. The result could be a greater reliance on mined and extracted materials, which would hurt both the economy and the environment.

Concerns Over European Commission Regulations

The European Commission has already updated its Waste Shipment Regulations (WSR). These changes will reduce global trade in recyclable materials. Though intended to protect the environment, these changes may reduce the availability of sustainable manufacturing inputs. ReMA urges governments to rethink these measures, as they would decrease the competitiveness of European recyclers and manufacturers.

Wiener concluded that ReMA plans to work with the U.S. government to oppose any export restrictions that could harm the global trade of recyclables.