Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) president, Robin K. Wiener, released the following statement, after President Trump announced action to address the national security threat of copper imports, as part of the Section 232 investigation:
ReMA is grateful to President Trump and his Administration for recognizing that the data and facts provided by our industry during the course of this investigation did not support the imposition of export restrictions on recycled copper, commonly known as copper scrap.
ReMA provided extensive data to the White House and the Department of Commerce demonstrating that the domestic copper recycling industry is strong and robust, and that export restrictions were not warranted given the current strength of the domestic industry. Accordingly, the White House agreed and declined to impose any restrictions on the copper industry’s ability to export.
The President also directed the secretary of Commerce to pursue, to the extent necessary, domestic sales mandates for high quality copper scrap in order to supply any shortfall in national defense needs. ReMA represents over 90 percent of the domestic recycled copper industry and is proud of its’ members’ ability year after year to meet America’s national defense supply requirements, including the sectors that indirectly support the defense industrial base. ReMA looks forward to working with the Commerce Department as it assesses any shortfalls in national defense needs and the most effective ways to address such shortfalls should they arise.
The action taken by President Trump recognizes the critical role that recycled copper plays in the country’s manufacturing supply chains, critical infrastructure, national security and economy.
Published September 2025