n° 168 – September/October 2020

Ever since COVID-19 started spreading worldwide earlier this year, all of our daily activities, business patterns and lifestyles began to change. We are now asking ourselves: What compromises do we need to make in this “new normal”? And when will it end so our lives can get back to how they were?

For this issue of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Mirror, we are pre-recording all our board members’ market reports for a podcast - a new format that fits with the new business patterns we’re having to adopt in the current situation.

In the recycling industry, we are never short of uncertainties, but never have so many uncertainties all come at once: the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic; the US/China trade conflict; China’s undisclosed import policies for recycled materials; and the possibility of further lockdowns in some countries. On the upside, both China and India - two of the largest markets for non-ferrous metals - have announced massive post-COVID economic stimulus plans, thus giving us some positive news in this era of uncertainty.

All in all, the current situation brings to mind that old Doris Day song “Que sera, sera (Whatever will be, will be)”. This seems the perfect attitude for the world in which we live today.

Please join us on October 15 at 15:00 CET for the latest BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division eForum, during which recycling industry leaders will talk about developments in each region of the world. BIR would definitely like to count on your support.

Last but not least, please stay safe and healthy.