Uncontrolled Scrap Steel Exports to Jeopardize UK Steel Industry

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): UK steel trade body highlighted the importance of scrap steel staying in the UK to boost local steel production. UK Steel warned that unrestricted scrap steel exports out of the country could potentially jeopardize the steelmaking industry in the country and derail the industry’s plan to transform the sector.

According to the trade body, the exports of steel scrap to other countries with lower environmental standards could lead to increased carbon emissions. The authorities should take adequate steps to ensure that locally generated scrap stays in the country, so that it can be used by plants that are currently undergoing transformation from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces.

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Gareth Stace, Director General, UK Steel noted that scrap steel is the main feedstock for EAFs. The country should make best use of this abundantly available resource, instead of importing raw materials from other countries. The exports of steel scrap to other countries will create a bigger carbon footprint, he added.

The steel industry accounts for nearly 14% of the UK’s total industrial emissions and 2.7% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

As per rough estimates, Britain generates around 10 million tonnes of scrap steel every year, out of which nearly 80% is exported to other countries of the world.