markets

E-plastics processor Synergy Electronics Recycling and its subsidiary, RePolyTex, have expanded their product line of composite boards made with recycled e-plastics and recently earned recognition from the Carolina Recycling Association. 

Country-specific reciprocal tariffs have been pushed out until July, but a universal base rate tariff rolled out last week, which covers all countries, and earlier metals tariffs remain in effect. Meanwhile, an all-out trade war between the U.S. and China is intensifying.

After many weeks of shifting narratives and uncertainty, participants in recycled polymer  markets are working to navigate a constantly shifting tariff environment, in which buyers and sellers as well as customs officials struggle to align federal mandates with on-the-ground implementation.

The U.S. tariff whirlwind continues this month: Many imports from Canada and Mexico, including those of recycled materials, had their tariffs suspended two days after they took effect last week, while previously announced tariffs on aluminum and steel from all countries are set to take effect Wednesday.

The Recycled Materials Association warned of potential "severe" disruption to the materials recovery sector after tariffs targeting the U.S.'s largest trading partners took effect March 4. Canada's proposed response includes tariffs on U.S. exports of recycled materials.

The U.S. IT asset disposition and electronics recycling industries struggled to sustain growth in 2023 because of a dormant market, dominated by lack of demand for used equipment and parts, and hesitation from companies that have refrained from relinquishing their aging assets. Asset procurement on the upstream side and trading in the downstream sector were weak, and as a result, prices fell substantially.

Rising insurance costs have been a topic of concern for several years, and while battery-induced fires have caught much of the attention, panelists at the 2024 E-Scrap Conference said there's more to it – and more options are available to ease the pressure. 

Envela, the parent company of ITAD company Echo and others, reported higher revenue and operating costs in the third quarter of the year, thanks to a new client. 

Information management company Iron Mountain reported record third-quarter revenue of $1.56 billion, higher by 12% on the year, and attributed the results to double-digit growth in its asset lifecycle management business as well as two acquisitions.

After starting in plastics, an online recycled material trading platform is expanding into glass, metal, rubber, OCC and paper and will soon add e-scrap.