Meet Erin McCoy, ReMA’s New International Trade Policy Analyst

In June 2025, Erin McCoy joined the ReMA Advocacy, Safety and Sustainability team as the new International Trade Policy Analyst.

McCoy most recently served as a Trade Policy Analyst within the International Trade Administration which is part of the Enforcement & Compliance division at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she liaised with the private sector involved in unfair trade cases. She holds a Master of Arts in International Relations and Economics (MAIR) from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a B.A. in International Affairs from the School of International Service (SIS) at American University.

ReMA News had the chance to chat with McCoy about her background, why she decided to take a job with ReMA, and what she’s looking forward to most about working at the association.

Tell me about your role at ReMA.

I work on the advocacy team at ReMA as an international trade policy analyst, Supporting Adam Shaffer, ReMA’s Vice President for International Trade and Global Affairs, on a range of international trade matters that affect our members. My role focuses on ensuring that our trade advocacy reaches all commodities, especially as trade becomes an increasing priority for the current administration. Currently, my work is focused on the Section 232 copper investigation, monitoring reciprocal trade agreements, and addressing any trade development that could have downstream impacts on the recycling industry.

Tell me about your background.

Prior to joining ReMA, I worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), within the International Trade Administration’s Enforcement & Compliance division. I worked on a policy team focused on foreign antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings, where I advocated on behalf of U.S. exporters facing unfair trade investigations abroad to help them maintain access to key international markets. Prior to that, I worked in government affairs at a cross-sector firm where I worked with a wide range of industries including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology.

How did you decide to apply for the position at ReMA?

I wanted to continue working in the international trade space, specifically in an industry that plays a significant role  in the manufacturing supply chain. Recycled materials touch nearly all aspects of the supply chain, which was really appealing to me. ReMA also stood out as having a strong advocacy team. I could see trade issues popping up in the news around recycled materials, and I worked with  steel and aluminum producers while I was at the Department of Commerce. The position at ReMA seemed like a natural step, allowing me to stay engaged on trade issues while expanding my  experience in a new and impactful sector.

What are you looking forward to at ReMA?

I’m looking forward to working with one industry. In my previous jobs, I’ve worked across sectors, so I couldn’t dive deeply into one industry. I’ve also never had the opportunity to work directly with members, so the structure and member-driven mission of a trade association is very appealing to me. I’m excited to contribute on a more international scale at ReMA and engage in international conversations around trade.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love tennis—both playing it and watching matches on TV, it’s my favorite sport. I also sew and needlepoint, that’s my creative outlet. And I’m a big foodie, so I like trying new restaurants in D.C.