Exports in recyclable raw materials increased in 2023

In 2023, exports of recyclable raw materials – which include recyclable waste and scrap as well as other secondary raw materials (by-products) – from the EU to non-EU countries amounted to 39.3 million tonnes.

Export volume in recyclable raw materials has been on an upward trend since 2004, increasing by 74% (+16.7 million tonnes).

Meanwhile, imports of recyclable raw materials from non-EU countries into the EU amounted to 39.8 million tonnes in 2023, a decrease of 3.8 million tonnes compared with 2004 (-8.6%).

Source dataset: env_trdrrm

Metal highest export, organic highest import of recyclable raw materials

In 2023, the exports of metals from the EU amounted to 21.0 million tonnes, accounting for more than half (54%) of all recyclable raw materials exports. The second-largest category was paper and cardboard (7.0 million tonnes or 18%), followed by organic (4.5 million tonnes or 11%). 

In terms of imports to the EU, the largest category was organic (24.4 million tonnes), accounting for 61% of all recyclable raw materials imports. The second-largest category was metal at 5.4 million tonnes (14%), followed by mineral at 5.0 million tonnes (13%).

Source dataset: env_trdrrm

Main trade partners: Türkiye and Brazil 

Türkiye was the largest destination for EU exports of recyclable raw materials in 2023, with a volume of 12.2 million tonnes. The second-largest destination was India (5.2 million tonnes), followed by the United Kingdom (3.5 million tonnes), Egypt (1.7 million tonnes) and Indonesia (1.5 million tonnes). 

EU imports of recyclable raw materials in 2023 were predominantly from Brazil (9.7 million tonnes), Argentina (4.5 million tonnes), the United Kingdom (3.5 million tonnes), Ukraine (2.5 million tonnes) and the United States (2.5 million tonnes).