Smart Data Drives Non-Ferrous Trade Talks at BIR 2025

At the BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Bangkok, recyclers, traders, and manufacturers in the non-ferrous metals sector discussed how to adapt to profound transformations in volatile global markets. The Non-Ferrous Metals Division session on October 27 explored the impact of shifting trade policies, tariffs, and emerging technologies—and how smart use of data can help navigate these ongoing changes.

The session opened with Divisional President Paul Coyte (Hayes Metals, NZL), who emphasized the importance of accurate information to predict market trends.

“Non-ferrous material flows are a lot like trade winds,” he said. “It’s really hard to work out the future direction of wind flow if you don’t have accurate information. Similarly, in our businesses, without accurate information, it’s really hard to spot future trends.”

Participants reviewed recent regional policy developments—from Malaysia’s Operation Metal and Thailand’s tighter import regulations to China’s increased inspections, as well as US tariffs and Europe’s proposed restrictions on secondary copper exports. Meanwhile, recyclers in the Middle East and Oceania face changing logistics, costs, and competition.

Jessica Fung, Head of Consulting at Project Blue (GBR), highlighted the immediate effects of policy changes on market dynamics, citing U.S. tariffs that caused a surge in copper imports before enforcement. Her analysis revealed that while gross secondary copper trade has remained flat globally, adjusted “copper equivalent” data shows steady growth—indicating that more copper per tonne is being traded.

Project Blue’s research indicates that secondary copper currently accounts for 36% of global copper consumption, projected to exceed 40% in the next decade. Growth is particularly notable in Asia, where Japan and South Korea have increased scrap inputs into smelters from below 10% to nearly 25%.

Inge Hofkens, Chief Operations Officer, Multimetal Recycling, Aurubis (DEU), reflected on the unprecedented changes in global non-ferrous trade flows over her 30-year career.

“If some regions keep markets open while others close their borders, and at the same time buy large volumes of metals in other jurisdictions, this puts international trade and ultimately our circular economy at risk.
If we as industry players are fragmented and not united, others will define our future. If we stand together, we will define our future ourselves.”

She emphasized the synergy between responsible primary production and strategic recycling, citing Aurubis’ new multi-metal plant in the U.S. as a model for circularity:

“We are supporting the U.S. scrap community by building a local outlet, turning complex scrap into refined metals. It marks a new era of circularity.”

Stuart Kagan, Co-founder and CEO of Buddy (NZL), discussed how digitization and technology can augment non-ferrous trade flows through platforms that build trust and efficiency.

“Relationships and technology are not mutually exclusive; they can work beautifully together,” he said. “It’s helping buyers and sellers find better partners – faster and with more trust.”

He cited a 2024 McKinsey report, noting that “metal traders that build digital core capabilities can significantly outperform peers in speed and efficiency.”

During the Q&A session, chaired by Sebastien Perron (CNA Metals, USA) and featuring Albrecht Vanhoutte (Galloo, FRA/BEL), discussions focused on EU secondary copper trade trends. Ms. Fung noted that rising exports and reduced imports reflect regional differences in demand—growth in Eastern Europe versus decline in the West—and stronger demand in Asia.

Emmanuel Katrakis (Galloo, FRA/BEL) raised the issue of possible EU restrictions on secondary copper and aluminium exports.
Ms. Fung warned:

“The implementation of trade barriers can distort the market in terms of flows and pricing of materials. From a big picture perspective, it adds a lot of costs, inefficiencies, and friction.”

Ms. Hofkens added that while security concerns are shaping policy, “markets will always find a way themselves.”