- Industry leaders debate tariffs versus free trade
- European recyclers call for cooperation, not protectionism
The BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition, held in Bangkok from 26-28 October 2025, featured a spirited discussion on the challenges tariffs pose to global trade. The session, hosted by the International Trade Council, brought together leaders from the recycling and metals sectors to explore the tension between protecting domestic industries and maintaining the global flow of essential resources.
Cooperation, not protectionism: European perspective
Murat Bayram, Managing Director of European Metals Recycling (GBR/DEU), emphasised that while the European steel industry needs support, tariffs are not the answer. “We are on the same page at the end of the day because we also want European steel mills to come out stronger,” he said.
Bayram argued that more tariffs would only increase bureaucracy and barriers. “We want more recycling. We need to support the industry–but you can do it in a positive way.”
He noted that Europe’s core issue lies in structural economics rather than recycled steel availability. “The problem is not the recycling industry, the problem is the economy. If you go to our valued customers, you see their order books are weak.”
As an alternative to tariffs, Bayram proposed cooperative support mechanisms, such as CO₂ certificate benefits for materials processed and smelted in Europe. He also pointed to high energy prices as a greater threat to European steel mills than recycled metals availability.
Data shows market balances itself
Emmanuel Katrakis, Chairman of the International Trade Council and Director of Public and Regulatory Affairs at Galloo (FRA/BEL), opposed calls for export taxes on recycled steel, copper, and aluminium within Europe. Presenting data showing a 10-million-tonne drop in European recycled steel consumption over the past decade, he highlighted that exports naturally increase when local demand declines.
“The more (Europe) consumes, the more recycled steel arises locally,” he explained. “There is no need for any restriction–the market sorts itself automatically.”
Katrakis also stressed that high energy prices remain a much bigger issue for European mills than material exports, a problem not shared by producers in the US or Asia.
US defends tariffs as essential for industry survival
Offering a contrasting view, George Adams, CEO of SA Recycling (USA), delivered a strong defence of US tariffs. “I love tariffs,” he declared. “Tariffs are single-handedly saving our steel industry in the US.”
He argued that if foreign producers can make and ship steel more cheaply than the US can domestically, “something’s wrong.” Adams maintained that tariffs are vital to preserving a vibrant national industry and protecting jobs.
Acknowledging that tariffs make steel more expensive, he noted that they also drive investment in state-of-the-art steel mills. “Yes, our steel is going to be more expensive and ultimately we’ll probably have to protect our car industry too,” he said. “As long as things are being run efficiently and properly, then we need to make them in our country.”
Data-driven policy: The US experience
Adam Shaffer, Vice President of International Trade and Global Affairs at ReMA (USA), discussed how the organisation used data to counter calls for export restrictions on end-of-life aluminium and copper.
ReMA commissioned a study in October 2024, with findings released in October 2025, showing no evidence that restricting exports would benefit domestic manufacturers. “The data backed up exactly what we had been telling the government, the consumers, and the markets,” Shaffer said.
Regionalisation reshaping global metals trade
Mark Sellier, Managing Director of Tangent Trading (GBR), observed that regionalisation and de-globalisation trends began well before the US introduced tariffs.
He highlighted that many Chinese non-ferrous manufacturers have moved operations to countries such as Thailand to manage compliance and supply risks. “They’re not importing any less copper–it’s just coming from different places as the regulations change,” he explained.
Sellier added humorously that after US tariffs were introduced, US exports to Canada rose by 30%, while Canadian exports to China increased by a similar percentage.
He concluded by noting China’s enduring influence: “The capacity that’s already inside China is very, very big and it supports the export market. The US, Europe, and Asia Pacific will eventually develop regional systems that support their own industries.”
Outlook
Looking ahead the global recycling and metals trade is expected to remains mixed. While tariffs continue to divide opinions, most experts agree that collaboration, innovation, and energy efficiency will drive progress. Regionalisation is expected to accelerate, with Europe, the US, and Asia reshaping trade patterns while striving to balance sustainability, competitiveness, and fair market access.
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