RemA resources

International Trade

Rising demand for recycled materials is essential for the health of the planet and for the global economy. By providing a resilient source of raw material, recyclers help keep  supply chains moving and preserve natural resources.

Through the process of buying and selling, valuable recycled material moves to where there is demand. It becomes essential feedstock utilized in the manufacturing of new products worldwide. More than 800 million metric tons of valuable recycled materials are consumed worldwide each year.

Trade and Tariffs: Your Source for the Latest Information

Members Only: Trade information is changing hour by hour. Only ReMA members have access to the most up-to-date information on how these changes impact all businesses involved in the recycled materials industry and across the entire supply chain.

Key Markets

ReMA’s advocacy resources demonstrate how recycled materials are good for businesses and communities, and essential to economies and supply chains around the world. Explore our efforts on behalf of Recyclers.

China & Hong Kong

ReMA supports the Chinese government’s efforts to protect the environment and supports efforts to eliminate illegal trash dumping.

See Key Regulatory Issues |

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an economically as well as culturally diverse region where manufacturing is growing as a mainstay of the local economies.

See Key Regulatory Issues |

India

India is the U.S. recycling industry’s largest growth market.  U.S. scrap exports to India crossed the billion dollar market in 2018.

See Key Regulatory Issues |

North America

The integrated North American scrap industry is stronger than ever, boosted by the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA).

See Key Regulatory Issues |

Key Regulatory Issues

Imports into China

U.S.-China Trade

Imports into Hong Kong

Imports into China

U.S.-China Trade

Imports into Hong Kong

Indonesia Key Regulatory Issues

Malaysia Key Regulatory Issues

All companies that ship plastic scrap to Malaysia – which must be in compliance with the Basel Convention – must provide to their Malaysian customers a copy of an export accreditation issued by the supplier’s home country.For companies based in the United States, the U.S. Government does not issue such accreditation letters, but the Malaysian Government will accept an accreditation letters from ISRI, which are issued to members only.

Key Regulatory Issues

  • India’s 2021 budget lowers ferrous scrap import tariffs to 0% and lowers copper scrap import tariffs from 5% to 2.5%.
  • India permits post-industrial and/or pre-consumer polyethylene to be imported into Export-Oriented Units and Special Economic Zones.
  • Pre-Shipment Inspection Agencies (PSIAs): The Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced on June 30, 2020, that the current list of approved PSIAs has been extended to September 30, 2020.

Resources & Documents

Additional International Resources

A serene night view of illuminated shipping cranes at a bustling harbor, reflecting lights over calm water.

Trade Compliance

ReMA is a staunch advocate for responsible recycling, regulatory enforcement and improving the quality of materials in compliance with our internationally-recognized Specifications. Trade contributes to the well-being of the planet and provides a vital lifeline for communities around the world to take part in the growing demand for recycled materials, and compliance begins here at home.

Trade Compliance

Shipping Recyclable Electrical and Electronics

Basel Convention E-Amendments Set to Enter into Force on January 1, 2025

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Members only

Tariff Guidance Document

A dedicated Q&A resource for ReMA members, providing insights and analysis on trade and tariff policies.

Tariff Guidance Document