The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) filed formal comments regarding the U.S. Department of Commerce’s national security investigation of imports of copper, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1964.
In the filing, ReMA underscored the essential role of copper recycling in supporting the U.S. economy, domestic manufacturing and national security.
“ReMA supports the Administration’s efforts to ensure a robust American copper industry, but strongly opposes restrictions on trade in recycled copper, and restraints on recycled copper exports.
“A hallmark of American economic strength is the presence of American industries in export markets. This is one of the many areas in which the recycled materials industry contributes to America’s global economic competitiveness. ReMA members’ exports are consistently and competitively strong. According to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission, in 2024, the industry exported nearly $27.7 billion in recycled materials. ReMA recyclers’ ability to produce for domestic needs and export surplus materials to the global market is the model that every industry should strive for. Exports not only significantly help the U.S. balance of trade, but also extend America’s reach, power, and influence abroad. In fact, recycled materials are among the nation’s largest commodity exports by volume, comparable to agricultural and energy products like grain and corn, cotton, timber, and petroleum.
“Exports of recycled copper contribute materially to America’s prosperity by supporting the American industry’s profitability and keeping the engine of American manufacturing running.”
Published May 2025
