Chinese Import Quotas Omit Allocation for Steel Scrap

The China Solid Waste and Chemicals Management under the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) announced publication of 11^th batch of metal scrap import quotas for 2020. The list features slightly higher allocation for nonferrous metal scrap. At the same time, there is no allocation for import of steel scrap in the batch announced August 18th.

The latest batch of quota allows for import of ferrous scrap and paper scrap. The domestic enterprises have been awarded rights to import a total of 195,990 tons of recovered fiber. The batch also allows for import of 14,530 metric tons of copper scrap and 2,610 tons of aluminum scrap.

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A total of 13 companies were awarded the rights to import copper scrap, whereas 3 companies were permitted to import alumnum scrap. Paper scrap import rights were allocated to a total of 17 enterprises.

It must be noted that the prior batch had allowed entry of 10,110 mt of copper scrap, 3,970 mt of steel scrap and 1,110 mt of aluminum scrap into the country. 

The Chinese administration plans to phase out import quota system by 2021. It plans to impose restrictions on imports or even prohibit imports of certain scrap materials by reclassifying them as ‘resources’.