At the ongoing BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Bangkok (26–28 October 2025), the Non-Ferrous Metals Division discussed how smart data can help traders manage uncertainty in volatile global trade markets.
Divisional President Paul Coyte (Hayes Metals, NZL) opened the session, emphasizing the need for accurate information in predicting market direction.
“Non-ferrous material flows are a lot like trade winds. It’s really hard to work out the future direction of wind flow if you don’t have accurate information. Similarly, in our businesses, without accurate information, it’s really hard to spot future trends,” he said.
Policy changes across Asia, the US, Europe, and the Middle East are reshaping trade flows — from Malaysia’s Operation Metal and Thailand’s stricter import rules to China’s enhanced inspections and US tariffs affecting supply chains.
Guest speaker Jessica Fung, Head of Consulting at Project Blue (GBR), explained that policy announcements alone could alter trade patterns and pricing.
She cited how imports of refined copper surged before US tariffs took effect in August.
Her data, adjusted to “copper equivalent” terms, shows steady growth in global secondary copper trade, which accounts for 36% of global copper consumption — a share expected to exceed 40% within the next decade. Japan and South Korea are notably expanding their secondary refining capacity.
“What started at below 10% of scrap input into their smelters and refineries has increased to almost 25% now, and we expect that to continue growing,” said Ms. Fung.
Inge Hofkens, COO of Multimetal Recycling, Aurubis (DEU), said she had never seen so many dramatic changes in 30 years of industry experience.
“If some regions keep markets open while others close their borders, and at the same time buy large volumes of metals in other jurisdictions, this puts international trade and ultimately our circular economy at risk.”
She urged unity in the industry:
“If we as industry players are fragmented and not united, others will define our future. If we stand together, we will define our future ourselves.”
Hofkens highlighted Aurubis’ new U.S. multi-metal plant, which converts complex scrap into refined metals, calling it “a new era of circularity.”
Stuart Kagan, Co-founder & CEO of Buddy (NZL), focused on digitisation in metals trading.
“Relationships and technology are not mutually exclusive; they can work beautifully together,” he said, noting that digital platforms enhance trust and efficiency.
He cited McKinsey’s 2024 report stating:
“Metal traders that build digital core capabilities can significantly outperform peers in speed and efficiency.”
In a panel discussion moderated by Sebastien Perron (CNA Metals, USA) with Albrecht Vanhoutte (Galloo, FRA/BEL), speakers explored EU secondary copper trade dynamics. Ms. Fung noted that demand is rising in Eastern Europe but declining in the West, while Asia remains a stronger demand hub.
Responding to questions about potential EU export restrictions, Ms. Fung warned:
“The implementation of trade barriers can distort the market in terms of flows and the pricing of materials. From a ‘big picture perspective’, it adds a lot of costs, inefficiencies and friction.”
Ms. Hofkens added that while policymakers focus on security,
“Markets will always find a way themselves.”