Trade barriers challenge global recycling : BIR International Trade Council tackles market fragmentation

The global materials recovery sector confronts a rapidly shifting commercial environment where protectionist measures, import duties and compliance requirements are fundamentally altering cross-border operations. Spanning markets from North America and the European Union to Asian territories, these evolving restrictions generate substantial business uncertainty while undermining the open-market frameworks essential to international secondary materials commerce.

Under the leadership of Emmanuel Katrakis from Galloo (FRA/BEL), the BIR International Trade Council (ITC) has assembled prominent industry figures from multiple continents to examine operational challenges within today's unstable commercial climate and identify approaches for preserving international collaboration despite accelerating market division.

Adam Shaffer, Vice President, International Trade and Global Affairs (ReMA, USA)

Adam Shaffer will present findings from ReMA's recent study on the availability of recycled copper and aluminium in the United States, offering insight into how trade dynamics are shaping material access and industry competitiveness.

ReMA's international advocacy leader participates in multiple U.S. governmental advisory bodies, including the Department of Commerce's Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee. His professional background includes directing trade policy initiatives for American steel producers at the American Iron and Steel Institute prior to his 2023 appointment with ReMA.

George Adams, President & CEO, SA Recycling (USA)

George Adams will provide first-hand insights into how trade restrictions and shifting market dynamics are affecting U.S. recyclers from a business perspective, drawing on decades of experience at the helm of one of the largest shredding operations in the U.S.

The former ReMA Chair transformed SA Recycling from modest family enterprise into America's premier ferrous and non-ferrous processor, now operating over 140 locations with annual throughput exceeding 5 million tonnes. Beyond his four decades of sector leadership, Adams contributes expertise as a qualified legal professional, published author and civic engagement advocate.

Murat Bayram, Managing Director, EMR (GBR/DEU)

Representing the European perspective, Murat Bayram will examine how rising protectionism is reshaping metals recycling and trading in Europe, emphasising the need for cooperation over isolation in sustaining global markets.

The EMR executive, educated in environmental management at Helmut Schmidt University, has developed his professional trajectory within one of the planet's foremost metal recovery enterprises. Recognized for championing sustainable operations and optimized processing methodologies, Bayram contributes pragmatic, results-focused perspectives to international commerce discourse.

The Bangkok gathering scheduled for 28 October promises critical examination of how worldwide material recovery operations can successfully navigate commercial disruptions, reconcile competing regulatory demands and maintain international partnerships across jurisdictional boundaries.