Updated tariff codes may help provide more specific detail of what e-scrap commodities are part of the export stream. | phil berry/Shutterstock
A newly adopted schedule of tariff codes provides more detailed categories for e-scrap shipments moving over international borders. The changes could usher in a more detailed look at U.S. exports of key e-scrap commodities.
Gartner data shows the worldwide 2021 PC market had the highest shipment volume since 2013, at 339.8 million units. | monte_a/Shutterstock
Worldwide PC shipments declined in the final quarter of 2021, but overall the year saw nearly 10% growth.
Global shipping constraints are impacting recovered commodities traders in unique ways. | Creativa Images / Shutterstock
Strife in the global shipping sector continues to impact North American recycling, with companies experiencing higher rates as well as decreased shipping availability and reliability.
The head of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries says the group has worked closely with officials in countries around the world to ensure that exported materials meet high quality thresholds. | peresanz / Shutterstock
The leader of the Basel Action Network responds to a position taken by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. | Avigator Fortuner / Shutterstock
From January through March of this year, U.S. companies exported 120 million pounds of mixed plastics. | Rich Lonardo / Shutterstock
U.S. shipments of mixed plastic, a category that includes plastics recovered from electronic devices, jumped in the first quarter. Nearly two-thirds of the plastic went to Canada.
Industry analysts recently offered their insights on copper markets.| Flegere / Shutterstock
The historically high prices for copper could elevate even higher in coming years because of strong demand for manufacturing, according to analysts.
Past iterations of SEERA would allow exports of tested and functional devices as well as some separated commodities destined for recycling. | lazyllama / Shutterstock
National legislators have reintroduced a bill that would restrict the export of certain end-of-life devices. A coalition of electronics recycling stakeholders voiced support for the proposal.
Previous iterations of the Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act have struggled to gain traction. | Sreytoch Lann/Shutterstock
Federal legislators have reintroduced legislation banning exports of untested, non-working electronics, a move that could significantly alter the way that many e-scrap companies handle material.
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal is an international treaty governing how waste is moved around the world. | phil berry/Shutterstock
The Basel Convention has published multiple proposals that would restrict U.S. exports of scrap electronics. The changes will be considered at a meeting this summer.