ReMA Demonstrates How Increased Inspections of Recycled Materials by Thai Government Cause Shipping Delays, Impact Industry

The News: In response to Thailand’s recent efforts to scale inspections of recycled metal imports, ReMA has been engaging with U.S. trade agency officials to demonstrate the significant impact on the recycled materials industry.

Why It Matters: Increased inspections of recycled metals by the Thai customs authorities have caused disruptions for exporters, particularly as many nonferrous metals continue to be misclassified as end-of-life (EOL) electronics. The Thai Customs Department proposed a full ban on recycled metal imports, including aluminum and steel scrap. However, this proposal is still being debated by the Thai Government, which seems to be leaning toward proposing an alternative import monitoring scheme of these materials which could continue delaying customs clearance at Thai ports.

ReMA’s International Advocacy team has been working to ensure the U.S. government knows this is a priority for the industry. This week, ReMA staff are virtually meeting with the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) team in Bangkok, Thailand, to ensure the administration understands the severity of these concerns and how the disruptions impact ReMA members.

ReMA staff have met with the U.S. Commerce Department, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the misclassification of nonferrous metals as EOL electronics. ReMA also continues to provide the Thai Embassy with instances of the adverse impact these actions have on the U.S. exporters of nonferrous metals.

On Oct. 30, ReMA filed comments with USTR on significant trade barriers to U.S. exports of recycled materials as the administration prepares its National Trade Estimate Report, which highlights trade barriers that impact U.S. exports. This opportunity is important as the U.S. and Thailand are working to finalize an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), potentially by year-end.

ReMA’s Nonferrous Export Trade Challenges Subcommittee has also been monitoring the situation and will continue meeting regularly to discuss developments and coordinate industry responses.

What’s Ahead: ReMA encourages members experiencing shipment delays, increased inspections, booking suspensions, or additional financial requirements related to Thailand to share their experiences ReMA staff. This will help inform the association’s ongoing engagement with U.S. and Thai authorities.

ReMA staff will continue monitoring developments and providing updates as additional information becomes available. The next Trade and Tariff Talk will take place Nov. 12, at 3 p.m. ET so please be sure to register.