(Reuters) – Exports of recyclable raw materials, including waste, scrap metal and other by-products, hit a record high of 40.6 million tonnes last year in the European Union, reported Tuesday the Statistical Office of the block.
Eurostat data shows that exports to non-EU countries, almost half of which are ferrous metals such as iron and steel, increased by 2.0 million tonnes compared to 2020, and 80% from 2004 levels.
Imports into the EU of recyclable raw materials, mainly organic products such as wood, paper and textiles made from natural fibres, reached 46.8 million tonnes in 2021, an increase of 7% compared to compared to 2004 levels.
The bloc of Twenty-Seven is considering how to become more independent in several strategic areas such as raw materials, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia having argued in favor of greater autonomy in this area.
The EU said in March it would reduce its dependence on imports of key raw materials through strategic partnerships, storage, recycling and efficient use of resources.
Last year, Turkey was the top destination for recyclable raw materials from the EU, followed by Britain, India and Egypt, while Argentina and Brazil were the main sources of imports to the countries of the bloc, according to Eurostat.
(Reporting Anait Miridzhanian in Gdansk; French version Federica Mileo, editing by Jean-Michel Bélot)
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