Why Metal Recyclers Are Optimistic About Tariffs

The recycled metals industry is growing domestically and internationally, in part fueled by the rapid expansion of construction and automotive manufacturing. Now, tariffs may be giving it a boost. The U.S. market for scrap metal recycling registered a growth of 3.7 percent between 2017 and 2021. The global recycled metals market is expected to expand 6 percent from 2025 to 2034, according to an analysis by Precedence Research. It was valued at $2.8 billion in 2024. Recently, industry insiders say U.S. recycled metals businesses haven’t experienced any direct impacts from new tariffs, but they’ve noticed changes in demand for various alloys. On Feb. 10, President Donald Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on imports of aluminum and steel, raising that to 50 percent on June 3....