Smart Data Reshapes Non-Ferrous Trade at BIR Bangkok
The Non-Ferrous Metals Division session at the BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Bangkok highlighted how the global non-ferrous sector is adapting to volatile trade markets through data-driven insights and digital transformation.
Divisional President Paul Coyte (Hayes Metals, NZL) opened the session, emphasizing that accurate information is crucial to forecasting trade flows and future trends in a constantly shifting environment.
Amid evolving global policies — such as Malaysia’s Operation Metal, Thailand’s stricter import regulations, China’s enhanced inspections, and U.S. tariffs — recyclers and traders are recalibrating supply chains. In Europe, potential restrictions on secondary copper exports further add to the uncertainty faced by the industry.
Guest speaker Jessica Fung, Head of Consulting at Project Blue (GBR), discussed how data interpretation can reveal deeper market trends. She demonstrated that while secondary copper trade has appeared flat globally, adjusted “copper-equivalent” data shows consistent growth, with secondary copper now accounting for about 36% of global copper consumption, projected to exceed 40% within a decade.
Inge Hofkens, COO of Multimetal Recycling, Aurubis (DEU), noted that political, economic, and technological shifts are redefining global metal flows. She urged industry unity, emphasizing that responsible primary production and strategic recycling together strengthen the circular economy. Hofkens also highlighted Aurubis’ new U.S. multi-metal plant as a model for circularity and collaboration.
Stuart Kagan, CEO and Co-founder of Buddy (NZL), underscored the value of digital platforms in modernizing the non-ferrous trade. While personal relationships remain central, he argued that digitization enhances trust, speed, and efficiency, citing a McKinsey 2024 report stating that metal traders adopting digital core capabilities outperform peers.
During a panel discussion moderated by Sebastien Perron (CNA Metals, USA), with Albrecht Vanhoutte (Galloo, FRA/BEL) as guest panellist, the speakers analyzed the European Union’s secondary copper trade flows. Fung explained that regional dynamics, limited processing capacity, and stronger demand in Asia influence exports. She warned that trade barriers distort pricing and efficiency, while Hofkens concluded that markets ultimately “find their own way.”
The session reflected how smart data, collaboration, and digitization are empowering recyclers and traders to navigate uncertainty and sustain global trade in non-ferrous metals.