Benelux countries are still operating under strict lockdown conditions as a result of the second wave of COVID-19 infections. While this latest wave and the resulting lockdown measures appear to be weighing more heavily on the public’s mental health, the majority of scrap yards - and industry in general - are much better prepared than they were earlier in the year. As a result, most businesses relevant to our sector are able to operate effectively, helped in part by home working.
Another positive is that most of the COVID numbers in the Benelux region are moving in the right direction at the time of writing.
Specifically in the non-ferrous markets within Benelux, it remains business as usual for primary aluminium while secondary has seen a big jump in demand, with the main driver being the automotive industry. Demand for zinc is neither great nor terrible while stainless is progressing at its normal, steady pace. Local copper consumers are well supplied and demand remains spot. Many exporters are now testing the new regulatory set-up in China, to where large volumes of HG copper chops are heading. As for cable, strong pricing seems to be available ex-Poland
Peddler accounts for community recycling centres still seem to be facing hurdles as people are preferring to stay at home rather than taking the risk of making an appointment. All in all, most yards have performed well during the last couple of months, especially when compared with the first wave of infections.
Jurgen van Gorp
Metallo Belgium N.V., Board Member of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division
Country
Benelux
