In 2025, the global trend of imposing restrictions on scrap metal exports is gaining momentum. According to a study by GMK Center, by the end of March 2025, 48 countries worldwide had implemented 75 different restrictions regarding the export of scrap metal. This means that a single country may apply several measures simultaneously to regulate trade in this important resource.
This is reported by Business • Media
Reasons and Mechanisms for Scrap Metal Export Restrictions
Restrictions on scrap metal exports are becoming a popular tool of economic policy due to the increasing demand and limited availability of this resource. The main goal of implementing such measures is to meet the domestic needs of the country, as well as to support the decarbonization of the metallurgical industry. Affordable prices for scrap metal are critically important for the competitiveness of national “green” metallurgy.
According to the study, 38% of countries have imposed a partial or complete ban on scrap metal exports as one of the main tools of restriction. Many of them also use postal tariffs (27%) and licensing procedures (the same percentage). Postal tariffs are a more flexible measure, which is why they are applied more frequently than export bans (25%).
International Regulations and Trends
At the international level, regulations are also tightening. In March 2024, the European Council adopted amendments to the Waste Shipment Regulation, which restrict the export of safe waste, including scrap metal, to non-OECD countries. Additionally, as part of the EU Action Plan on Steel and Metals, approved in March 2025, the European Commission is expected to consider introducing additional restrictions on scrap metal exports by the third quarter of 2025. This indicates the strategic direction of the European Union in controlling trade in this resource.
“Restrictions on scrap metal exports are aimed at supporting domestic markets and the environmental sustainability of the metallurgical industry,” experts from GMK Center note.
Overall, countries are applying various measures depending on their economic and environmental goals. The introduction of restrictions on scrap metal exports is a long-term process, and countries mostly continue to operate under already established measures, sometimes replacing them with new ones. For example, in January 2024, the United Arab Emirates replaced the ban on scrap metal exports with postal tariffs, which allows for the regulation of trade and meeting domestic needs.”