U.S. fiber and plastic scrap exports are still seeing shake-ups, years after the implementation of China’s National Sword policy. | Piyathep/Shutterstock
Companies exported a little less recovered fiber and a lot less scrap plastic last year, recently released trade data shows. Continue Reading
Industry leaders oppose the European Commission’s proposed phase-out of plastics exports, arguing such a move would restrict trade. | European Parliament Multimedia Centre
A branch of the European Union wants to end all exports of recovered plastics within the next four years, a move that would undoubtedly disrupt trade with the U.S. One company leader suggested the impacts could hinge on what the EU decides to consider “waste.”
Canada remains the top destination for U.S. scrap plastic exports, and India takes the top spot for scrap fiber. | Anucha Sirivisansuwan/Shutterstock
U.S. companies exported less scrap paper and plastic during the first nine months of this year, an analysis of federal trade data shows. Continue Reading
U.S. companies exported 8.7 million short tons of recovered paper and OCC during the first half of 2022. | Richard H Grant/Shutterstock
U.S. exports of fiber bales came down slightly during the first half of this year, trade data shows. At the same time, overseas shipments of scrap plastics took a tumble.
A European analysis shows 9 million metric tons of discarded plastic was collected for sorting, out of 30 million produced in 2021. | Muhammad Azman/Shutterstock
European plastic recyclers are struggling to get enough material, even as exports of plastics decline and values rise.
India, Mexico and Vietnam are still the top three destinations for U.S. OCC and paper in the first quarter of 2022. | Siwakorn1933/Shutterstock
U.S. exports of recovered fiber held relatively steady during the first quarter of 2022, but scrap plastic shipments plunged by more than one-fifth. Continue Reading
Timeline final update: March 22, 2022