In its first release of import permits for 2019, China’s environmental ministry approved a larger volume of recovered fiber than in any single release last year.
In its first release of import permits for 2019, China’s environmental ministry approved a larger volume of recovered fiber than in any single release last year.
Southeast Asian countries are moving to constrain imports of recyclables, but some exporters are mislabeling scrap plastic shipments to get around the restrictions.
Even as exporters move off of China as a destination for certain recyclables, the country remains a crucial market. And several recent Chinese developments carry industry-wide implications.
Governments across Southeast Asia continue to restrict recovered material imports. In the latest developments, Taiwan added plastic and paper restrictions, Vietnam rolled out new guidelines and Malaysia considered importing from certain countries only.
China has ramped up its purchases of U.S. OCC in recent months, according to the latest trade data. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian restrictions continue to stifle scrap plastic movement.
Malaysia has laid out new criteria for scrap shipments as the country plans for a reduction in imports over time.
Another major importer of recyclables in Asia is drafting policy to reshape its relationship to materials recovery. But this time, the move could actually be a boon to exporters.
Although Chinese scrap plastic import permits remain scarce, the government has ramped up the volume of recycled paper it is allowing into the country to levels not seen since March.
Scrap plastic shipments to Malaysia will be subject to new restrictions in the coming weeks, as the country follows through on its vow to get a handle on skyrocketing imports.
Since the implementation of Chinese scrap import restrictions a number of Chinese companies have set up shop or established partnerships in the U.S. to process material and bypass restrictions. Continue Reading