The market for non-ferrous metals is projected to strengthen on the massive infrastructure projects being rolled out around the world, according to a blog by David Chiao, president of the non-ferrous metals division at the Uni-All Group, USA.
Chiao said in his Bureau of International Recycling’s (BIR) World Mirror Non-Ferrous Metals blog published in March that container shortages are easing, but it will take some time for the market to return to normal levels.
He noted that Malaysia’s plans to regulate non-ferrous scrap imports through pre-shipment inspections and metallic container requirements could be challenging for the non-ferrous market. While more clarification is needed on this rule, and the Malaysia Non-Ferrous Metals Association is working with the Malaysian government to get more clarity on this rule, Chiao said that this latest move compared to the CCIC inspection rule in China.
Chiao opined that if the new regulation were to take effect in Malaysia, other ASEAN countries could follow with similar rules, causing a slowdown in business like the one seen after China issued its latest round of scrap specifications for non-ferrous grades.
Cautioning BIR member companies against buyers looking for “outlawed” scrap for Southeast Asian outlets, Chiao wrote that while BIR “supports all free and fair trade, we must bear in mind that we also have the responsibility to conduct clean trade.”