ReMA Issues Statement Opposing Proposed Export Restrictions on Recycled Materials

The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) has strongly opposed the recent proposal from several European countries to impose restrictions on the export of recycled steel. The proposal was discussed at the Summit on the Future of the European Steel Industry, held on February 27, 2025, in Paris. Officials from Belgium, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain have called for stricter regulations on the export of recyclable materials. Previously, both the European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) and the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) have also voiced strong opposition to the proposal.

ReMA President Robin K. Wiener released a statement condemning the proposal, emphasizing the critical role that global recycling plays in the manufacturing supply chain. “The materials provided by recyclers worldwide are the first link in global manufacturing supply chains, which is why recent efforts by several European Union (EU) member states to restrict exports of recycled steel poses a significant threat to recyclers and manufacturers that rely on recyclable commodities to fulfill more than 40 percent of the global raw material needs,” Wiener stated.

In her statement, Wiener further emphasized that the recycling industry is an indispensable part of the global supply chain. While both the U.S. and the EU primarily consume recyclables domestically, they also serve as key exporters of high-quality, sustainable materials to global manufacturers. Wiener added that governments should not interfere in these markets, which have long been supported by free and fair trade policies.

Wiener warned that the proposed export restrictions could backfire, leading to stranded materials with no market demand, “When trade restrictions are imposed – like those outlined by the governments of Belgium, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia and Spain – materials are often stranded without the necessary demand. This will likely result in less recycling, less investment, and less jobs, and more dependence on mined and extracted materials.”

Wiener also pointed out that the European Commission has already modified its Waste Shipment Regulations (WSR), which have already limited global trade in recycled materials, despite their environmental protection goals. The new proposed restrictions could further diminish the global competitiveness of EU recyclers and have a negative impact on global manufacturers who rely on recycled steel and other sustainable materials.

In response, ReMA is calling for constructive engagement with the U.S. government to oppose these export restrictions, which could hinder the flow of recycled materials and harm the global competitiveness of the recycling industry.