U.S. Copper Industry Calls for Export Controls to Protect Domestic Manufacturing

As global demand for copper surges—fueled by clean energy expansion and the rise of AI-powered data centers—the U.S. copper recycling industry is sounding the alarm. Industry leaders are now urging the federal government to introduce smart export controls on high-purity copper scrap, claiming that unchecked exports, particularly to China, are weakening the country’s ability to compete, invest, and meet national security goals.

In a recent interview with Fastmarkets, Bernie Schilberg, CEO of Prime Materials Recovery (PMR), laid out the case for reform. According to Schilberg, more than half of U.S.-origin copper scrap is shipped overseas, with roughly 37% going to China in 2023. He argues that “predatory pricing” and loopholes have stifled domestic refining and discouraged long-term infrastructure investments.

But this isn’t a call for protectionism. Instead, Schilberg and the Copper Development Association (CDA) are advocating for balanced measures—such as export licensing and better transparency—that would prioritize domestic supply while keeping recyclers connected to global markets. Schilberg also supports a tiered tariff structure that incentivizes U.S. manufacturing, especially for sectors critical to national interests.

Not everyone agrees. Some trade groups, like the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), warn that restrictions could hurt exporters’ revenue. Schilberg counters that the long-term benefit of rebuilding a resilient U.S. supply chain far outweighs short-term losses.

One of the biggest challenges, he says, is policy uncertainty. To spur meaningful reinvestment, any reforms must last beyond a single administration. “A five-year buildout plan only works if the rules won’t change in four,” Schilberg told Fastmarkets.

As the copper market enters a pivotal period, this debate could shape the future of U.S. manufacturing—and its global competitiveness.

Read the full article on Fastmarkets:

“US copper scrap industry needs export controls, PMR CEO says | Hotter Commodities”

By Andrea Hotter, July 15, 2025 https://www.fastmarkets.com/insights/us-copper-scrap-industry-needs-export-controls-andrea-hotter/