The European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) and the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) have expressed concerns regarding proposals from the Summit on the Future of the European Steel Industry held in Paris on February 27, 2025. Representatives from several EU countries suggested restricting or banning exports of steel scrap to non-EU countries that do not adopt similar environmental and production legislation.
EuRIC and BIR argue that these proposals are based on incorrect assumptions. They highlight that the European recycling industry processes over 100 million tonnes of steel annually, with approximately 80% used domestically. The remaining 20% is exported due to insufficient domestic demand. They emphasize that this export is not waste but a valuable commodity recognized in global markets.
The associations warn that additional trade restrictions could harm the European recycling industry by reducing economic incentives, decreasing investment in recycling infrastructure, and potentially leading to the closure of recycling companies. They advocate for measures that support the recycling sector, such as mandatory recycled content targets and public procurement policies prioritizing recycled materials.
