Metal Recycling

Global Metal Recycling Market to Reach US$81.6 Billion by 2030

The global market for Metal Recycling estimated at US$61.1 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$81.6 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Non-Ferrous, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.3% CAGR and reach US$25.0 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Ferrous segment is estimated at 5.7% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$16.2 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 8.4% CAGR

The Metal Recycling market in the U.S. is estimated at US$16.2 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$17.9 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 8.4% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.4% and 5.5% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.5% CAGR.

Global Metal Recycling Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Is Metal Recycling, and Why Is It Crucial for Sustainability?
Metal recycling involves the collection and processing of old metal materials into new products, significantly reducing the need for virgin metal extraction, conserving natural resources, and minimizing environmental impact. This process is essential in supporting sustainable development by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, reducing energy consumption, and decreasing waste in landfills. Metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, and others can be recycled repeatedly without degrading their properties, making the recycling industry a key player in the global push towards circular economies. As global awareness and regulations on environmental conservation intensify, the metal recycling sector is poised for growth, driven by both ecological and economic benefits.

How Are Technological Advancements Enhancing Metal Recycling Processes?
Technological advancements are reshaping the metal recycling industry by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling processes. Innovations in sorting and processing technology, such as automated sorting systems using magnets, eddy currents, and advanced sensors, allow for more accurate separation of metal types, enhancing the quality of recycled materials. These technologies not only increase throughput but also reduce labor costs and improve safety in recycling facilities. Additionally, developments in metallurgical techniques have enabled the recycling of metals from complex products like electronics and batteries, expanding the range of recyclable materials and further promoting recycling initiatives.

What Are the Economic and Regulatory Factors Influencing the Metal Recycling Market?
The metal recycling market is significantly influenced by economic factors such as fluctuations in metal prices and the demand for recycled metals in various industries, including construction, automotive, and electronics. Regulatory policies play a crucial role as well, as governments around the world implement stringent waste management laws and incentives to promote recycling. These regulations often include mandates for recycled content in manufacturing and subsidies for recycling operations, which encourage the growth of the recycling industry. As global tensions and resource scarcity prompt countries to secure metal supplies, recycling becomes not only an environmental strategy but also an economic one, highlighting the intertwined nature of sustainability and market dynamics.

What Drives the Growth in the Metal Recycling Market?
The growth in the metal recycling market is driven by several factors, including increasing industrialization and urbanization which elevate the demand for metals while imposing significant environmental constraints. Advances in recycling technologies that enhance process efficiency and material recovery also contribute to market expansion. The growing consumer and corporate commitment to sustainability practices stimulates demand for recycled metals, further buoyed by supportive governmental policies across the globe. Additionally, the rise in international trade of recycled metals and the development of standards for sustainable practices in industries like construction and automotive are pivotal in propelling the metal recycling industry forward. These drivers, combined with a global push towards resource efficiency, ensure the continuing relevance and expansion of the metal recycling sector.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Metal Recycling market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Metal Type (Ferrous, Non-Ferrous); End-Use (Building & Construction, Shipbuilding, Equipment Manufacturing, Automotive, Packaging, Consumer Appliances, Other End-Uses)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 21 Featured) -

• ArcelorMittal SA
• Aurubis AG
• Baosteel Group Corporation
• Commercial Metals Company (CMC)
• Dowa Holdings Co., Ltd.
• European Metal Recycling Ltd.
• Nucor Corporation
• Remondis AG & Co. KG
• Sims Metal Management Ltd.
• Tata Steel Ltd.

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

Leading Economists - Our knowledge base tracks 14,949 economists including a select group of most influential Chief Economists of nations, think tanks, trade and industry bodies, big enterprises, and domain experts who are sharing views on the fallout of this unprecedented paradigm shift in the global econometric landscape. Most of our 16,491+ reports have incorporated this two-stage release schedule based on milestones.

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