European steel production requires many critical raw materials (CRMs) such as nickel, graphite, manganese. We support recent initiatives undertaken by the EU, including the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), to increase domestic production and the recycling of CRMs. However, the supply of CRMs will remain a challenge, and it is therefore important to diversify and ensure fair and sustainable access to CRMs from third countries.
Steel scrap is a strategic secondary raw material for the European steel industry, as it contributes to environmental goals by reducing the use of virgin raw materials, energy and CO2 emissions. Demand for steel scrap is likely to increase substantially as a result of ambitious climate policies. Therefore, scrap exports to third countries without comparable environmental and social standards need to be restricted, to ensure that the use of ferrous scrap generated in the EU contributes to sustainability objectives aligned with the EU ones.
• Recognise steel scrap as a strategic secondary raw material under the Critical Raw Materials Act.
• Ensure the robust implementation and effective enforcement of the revised EU Waste Shipment Regulation to ensure compliance with the EU environmental standards in third countries and avoid circumvention.
• Secure a sustainable and diversified raw materials supply by leveraging bilateral Free Trade Agreements, granting reciprocal market access and eliminating illegal export bans and other distortions.