Covid-19 is likely to remain a significant factor in the global scrap recycling trade until well into next year, according to reports from members of the Bureau of International Recycling. KPMG India estimates the country’s GDP rate will fall below 3% if the virus continues to have a significant impact and many now believe this will become a reality. From China, however, there has been no official announcement as yet regarding any CCIC pre-shipment inspection requirements under the country’s new import procedure for copper, brass and cast aluminium grades that are classified as ‘recycled materials’.
The pandemic is weighing heavily on a number of countries in the MENA region, many of whose tourism industries have been brought to a near standstill by the crisis. This slump in visitor numbers has contributed to significant economic contractions and poses challenges for the labour market. The USA is witnessing rampant infections, although politicians and the general public remain firmly divided on the realities of the virus. In Europe, Germany is in a partial lockdown in which restaurants as well as cultural and facilities are largely prohibited from opening their doors.
From early December, large parts of the UK will be in a tiered system with the severity of restrictions determined by local infection rates, although a slight relaxation of these measures is promised for five days around Christmas. The recycling industry has also continued to operate in France. The country has announced a three-stage softening of virus-related measures, starting with the reopening of all shops in compliance with very strict health rules. Travel restrictions are also to be relaxed but will remain onerous.
Source: Recycling International
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