ISRI database tracks cross-boundary scrap trading

The Washington-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has launched a new International Scrap Trade Database, providing information on international scrap trade flows. The data tables have been designed to illustrate the trade of recyclables across the globe by major commodity and by importing and exporting countries and show the total amount of scrap traded globally.

“The scrap trade database is a one-stop shop that brings together for the first-time statistics dedicated solely to the cross-border movement of scrap,” says Joe Pickard, chief economist for ISRI. “This collection of information will prove valuable for traders, brokers, market analysts, government agencies, the press and all those interested in the global recycling industry.”

Pickard adds, “It also provides scrap processors and consumers insights to burgeoning markets and potential opportunities that can help grow their businesses. The data will also prove beneficial to the public as it showcases the critical role recycling plays in the global economy and how scrap flows are deeply connected to developments in manufacturing. In addition, it demonstrates the importance of maintaining the free and fair trade of scrap around the world.”

The database has been released in advance of ISRI’s annual convention and exposition, April 22-27 in New Orleans. The international scrap trade figures provided cover volume flows in metric tonnage from 2005 to 2015 for ferrous scrap, nonferrous scrap, plastic scrap and recovered paper. Tables for other recycled commodities and charts designed to help visualize trade flows are in development, says ISRI.

ISRI members also can request custom trade reports by scrap commodity, trading partner, volume and dollar value by contacting ISRI Research Analyst Bernie Lee.