ReMA Urges Open Intra-North American Scrap Trade

ReMA Highlights the Importance of Scrap Trade for North America

The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) recently emphasized the critical role of scrap trade in North American manufacturing. ReMA President Robin Wiener testified at a U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) hearing on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). She noted that 89% of U.S. recycled material imports last year originated from Canada and Mexico.

Wiener highlighted that the U.S. recycling industry supports nearly 600,000 jobs and generates more than $170 billion in annual economic activity. The sector processes over 130 million tons of material each year, supplying critical inputs for steel and aluminum production. In fact, 70% of U.S. steel and up to 85% of aluminum production relies on recycled materials.

The testimony stressed that maintaining duty-free trade in recycled materials is vital to North American supply chains. Wiener urged the U.S. to preserve existing USMCA rules covering waste and scrap, ensuring a stable market that fuels domestic metals and basic materials production.

ReMA Addresses Regulatory and Trade Challenges

ReMA also pointed to regulatory hurdles, including challenges posed by the Basel Convention, and emphasized the importance of adhering to ReMA’s ISRI Specifications. These standards ensure consistent quality and reliability of recycled metals moving across borders.

The association applauds past U.S. initiatives aimed at revitalizing manufacturing and securing national supply chains. By protecting a tariff-free North American market, ReMA argues the U.S. can sustain robust recycled materials flows while supporting domestic metals production and broader economic growth.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

ReMA’s push for open intra-North American scrap trade underscores a larger strategic trend in the metals sector. Duty-free recycled materials trade strengthens supply chains, reduces production costs, and enhances competitiveness for U.S. steel and aluminum producers. As manufacturers increasingly prioritize sustainability, stable scrap trade will play an essential role in the region’s industrial future.