In response to the European Commission’s Steel and Metals Action Plan published on 19 March, ASSOFERMET warns that the proposed measures risk undermining the circularity and sustainability of the European recycling industry.
While the plan aims to secure the availability of ferrous scrap within the EU by proposing potential export restrictions, ASSOFERMET argues that this approach ignores the current surplus of scrap and the lack of internal demand, despite already strict provisions under the Waste Shipment Regulation (April 2024).
According to ASSOFERMET, around 20% of recycled steel remains unused within the EU and is exported, not due to “scrap leakage” but because of insufficient domestic absorption capacity. Exporting this surplus is a key pillar of the EU’s circular economy, and restricting it could lead to severe consequences for the recycling sector, including job losses, market disruption, and environmental setbacks.
The association further criticizes the plan’s focus on production support without any measures to stimulate steel and aluminium demand. It calls for economic incentives, energy cost reductions, and binding targets for recycled content in industrial and public procurement as tools to boost competitiveness and sustainability.
ASSOFERMET urges the Commission to revise and complete the Plan in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure it supports both recycling and industrial growth, in line with the EU’s environmental and circular economy goals.
PRESS RELEASE Assofermet 24.03.2025
