Could 2027 Be a Turning Point for the Global Non-Ferrous Scrap Market?

Although 2026 is still underway, the European scrap metal market is already turning its attention to potential policy changes that could take effect from 2027. The European Union (EU) is increasingly prioritizing the retention of recycled raw materials within the bloc in an effort to strengthen supply security, reduce dependence on external markets, and support the competitiveness of European industries.

Proposals concerning restrictions on scrap exports are still under consideration and have not yet been formally implemented. However, the trend toward tighter controls on the movement of metal scrap out of the EU is becoming increasingly clear. This is prompting companies involved in collection, recycling, trading, and the use of secondary raw materials to closely monitor policy developments in the coming period.

If export restrictions are introduced, the global non-ferrous scrap market could see significant changes in trade flows. Supplies from Europe to traditional markets in Asia could decline, while a larger share of available material could remain within the EU. This could create different impacts on prices and business activity across the recycling and secondary raw materials supply chain.

The potential changes would not only affect scrap traders and recyclers in Europe, but could also have implications for importers, metal smelters, and secondary raw material consumers across Asia. When a major source of supply is disrupted or redirected, international scrap flows may seek new destinations, while competition for material from other regions could also intensify.

For these reasons, 2027 is emerging as a year to watch closely for the non-ferrous scrap market. While the scale and timing of any new measures have yet to be determined, the possibility of changes to EU export policies highlights the need for companies across the value chain to prepare for a market in which material flows could become more dynamic and competition for supply more intense.