Non-Ferrous Metals

We are now coming towards the end of what has been one of the most challenging years ever. We’ve gone through the worst of times since the start of the pandemic in Wuhan, China, in December last year and its very rapid spread to the rest of Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, with cities and entire countries locking down one after the other over the ensuing months.

COVID-19 infections worldwide have soared to around 65 million at the time of writing, although thankfully vaccines are about ready to come to the rescue after what has seemed like the cold, dark hours before the dawn. When news of the development of vaccines was announced, metal prices shot straight up despite the fact that COVID-19 is still claiming victims in second and third waves of the pandemic.

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David Chiao , Uni-All Group Ltd (USA), President of the Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• “Recycled raw materials” meeting appropriate standards can be freely imported into China
• CCIC London carries out first commercially-commissioned on-site inspection of “recycling metals” destined for China
• CMRA to accept qualification certification applications up to December 31 2020

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Ma Hongchang , Regional recycling expert (CHN), provides BIR with a regular update on policy and regulatory developments in China. The following is based on his latest report.

• Most local merchants reporting better trading conditions
• Traditional offshore markets remain mixed
• Strain on availability and clearance of containers

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Paul Coyte , Hayes Metals (NZL), Vice-President of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• 13^th batch of import quotas released
• Discussion regarding possible resumption of ferrous scrap imports
• Enforcement inspection details yet to be clarified

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Shen Dong , OmniSource Corporation (USA), Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Economists predicting double-barrel, V-shaped recovery
• Non-ferrous secondary sector makes robust comeback
• Issues over inbound/outbound freight costs and equipment availability

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Dhawal Shah , Metco Marketing (IND) PVT Ltd, Senior Vice-President of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Sharp improvement in demand for No. 1 copper scrap
• Some domestic smelters announce delivery cuts for first quarter of 2021
• Strong competition for aluminium scrap

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Nick Hinohara , Metal Solution Provider (JPN), Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Huge domestic demand for scrap for secondary aluminium production, rolling mills and billet producers
• Mexico now importing scrap grades that historically were exported
• Peso strengthens against US dollar

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Alejandro Jaramillo , Glorem SC (MEX), General Delegate of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Bullish LME prices boost confidence within non-ferrous markets
• Greater stability in COVID-19 situation
• Scrap yards and traders see significant rise in volumes offered

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Ibrahim Aboura , Aboura Metals (ARE), Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Shortage of raw materials owing to COVID, winter and shipping line problems
• Strong domestic demand for all non-ferrous metals
• Use of vaccine raises hopes for 2021

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Aamir Malik , A.B.M. Corporation (PAK), Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Businesses actively looking to sell their scrap prior to holidays
• Increased scrap availability and very high prices paid
• Talk of scrap export tax from April next year

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Sidney Lazarus , Non-Ferrous Metal Works (ZAF) (Pty) Ltd, Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• RCEP to provide huge economic boost
• Copper supply expected to fall short of demand in 2021
• China’s reclassification sparks increase in business

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Darrell Wong , Liberty Iron & Metal, Inc. (USA), Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Drama and intrigue continue long after US Presidential Election
• COVID-19 infections remain at high levels
• Prices rising amid scrap tightness

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Rick Dobkin , Shapiro Metals (USA), Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Businesses better prepared in second wave of COVID infections
• Local copper consumers well supplied
• Most yards performing well in recent months

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Jurgen van Gorp , Metallo Belgium N.V., Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Higher LME numbers boost activity levels
• Increased freight rates from many shipping lines
• Sluggish consumer confidence hits spending in west of region

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Natallia Zholud , TRM Group (BLR), Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Growth of bullish sentiment within non-ferrous market
• Healthy scrap availability
• Concern over domestic insolvency outlook

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Murat Bayram , European Metal Recycling Limited (GBR), Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• LME quotations not reflected in real market
• Unwelcome feeling of tension mixed with uncertainty
• Economic revitalization measures appear fragmented

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Leopoldo Clemente , LCD Trading S.R.L (ITA), Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Strong rebound in Scandinavian economies
• Increasing demand for copper and aluminium
• Rising LME prices attract additional material

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Mogens Bach Christensen , H.J.Hansen Genvindingsindustri A/S (DNK), Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division

• Significant activity boost within recycling industry
• Higher prices attract increased supply of material into marketplace
• Strong demand from Asia

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José Martin Neumann , TSR Metals GmbH & Co. KG (DEU), Representative of the Young Traders Group

• Proposed green industrial revolution would be good news for recyclers
• Lack of Brexit deal encouraging pre-deadline sales into mainland Europe
• Rising confidence surrounding the Chinese market

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Susie Burrage , Recycled Products Ltd (GBR), Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division