China lifts import ban on scrap metals as coronavirus recovery heaps pressure on domestic metal supply
- China has relaxed import restrictions on high-grade copper, aluminium and brass scrap, allowing them be freely imported from November 1
- The move indicates China is ready to allow more recycling to ease a shortage in metals caused by strong demand due to its economic recovery
China has lifted its import ban on some high-quality scrap metals after several years of restrictions, indicating a move towards more recycling to meet a shortage of raw materials caused by the country’s strong economic recovery.
The increase in metal scrap imports will relieve pressure on domestic supplies and cut raw material prices that have been driven up by domestic demand. It will also help reduce emissions caused by mining.
On Monday, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment relaxed import restrictions on high-grade copper, aluminium and brass scrap, allowing these products to be freely imported from November 1. The special announcement removes their classification as solid waste.
01:23
China develops technology to recycle kitchen waste into energy sources
“In theory, the implementation of the new standard will remove the restrictions on scrap imports and ease the shortage in the domestic market. Moreover, China’s copper scrap market will [now] be determined by supply and demand, rather than policy factors,” a recycling source from the eastern province of Zhejiang told metal analyst Mysteel Global, referring to the import quota system.