EU Recyclable Raw Material Imports Exceed Exports In 2025

Overview Of The Current Trade Dynamics

The European Union imported 49.7 million tonnes of recyclable raw materials from non-EU countries in 2025, while exports totaled 36.2 million tonnes, according to data from Eurostat. That imbalance resulted in a net import gap of 13.5 million tonnes for the year, representing a 7.8% increase compared with the previous 12-month period.

Consecutive Trends In Import Reliance

The EU has remained a net importer of recyclable raw materials since records began in 2005. Its smallest import gap was recorded in 2023 at 1.07 million tonnes, compared with a peak of 21 million tonnes in 2006. Despite the recent increase in imports, the current gap remains 35.6% below the historical high.

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Commodity Breakdown And Market Dominance

Scrap metals represented the largest category of recyclable raw material exports, accounting for 18.9 million tonnes or 52.1% of total outbound shipments. Paper and cardboard followed with 6.0 million tonnes, representing 16.5% of exports, while organic materials accounted for 4.4 million tonnes or 12.0%. On the import side, organic materials dominated inbound trade flows at 30.0 million tonnes, equivalent to 60.3% of total imports. Minerals accounted for 8.3 million tonnes, while metal materials totaled 6.3 million tonnes.

Distinct Material Sourcing Patterns

Trade patterns differed significantly across material categories. Industrial metals, paper and cardboard were primarily traded as classified waste materials, while organic materials, largely agricultural by-products, followed different supply patterns. Standard waste represented only a limited share of the organic materials category, accounting for 1.8% of exports and 3.2% of imports.

Key International Trade Routes

Turkey remained the largest destination for EU recyclable raw material exports in 2025, receiving 12.8 million tonnes. India followed with 3.9 million tonnes, while the United Kingdom imported 3.4 million tonnes. Other major export destinations included Egypt, Norway and Switzerland, each receiving between 1.5 million and 1.9 million tonnes. Among import partners, Brazil ranked first with 11.2 million tonnes, followed by Argentina at 8.7 million tonnes and the United Kingdom at 4.4 million tonnes. Ukraine and the United States also remained significant suppliers, exporting 4.0 million tonnes and 2.4 million tonnes respectively.

Strategic Implications For The EU

Latest figures highlight the EU’s continued dependence on imported recyclable raw materials and ongoing shifts in global recycling trade flows. Differences between industrial waste trade and agricultural by-product sourcing also continue to shape the bloc’s broader resource management and recycling supply chains.

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Keve Welcomes New Cyprus Business Development Organisation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has welcomed Parliament’s unanimous approval of legislation establishing the Cyprus Business Development Organisation, describing it as a major step toward improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and self-employed professionals.

Expanding Access To Finance

The legislation creates a new public body aimed at addressing financing gaps by supporting businesses that struggle to secure funding through traditional channels.

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According to Keve, the initiative could strengthen entrepreneurship, boost competitiveness and support Cyprus’ green and digital transition. The chamber has long argued that SMEs rely too heavily on bank financing, limiting investment, expansion and innovation.

Keve Calls For Swift Implementation

Keve said it helped shape the legislation through the consultation process and called for the organisation to become operational as quickly as possible. It also pledged to continue working with the Finance Ministry and the organisation’s management to support implementation.

How The Organisation Will Operate

Approved by Parliament on Tuesday, the legislation establishes Cyprus’ national business development body under the supervision of the Finance Minister, while the Central Bank of Cyprus will oversee anti-money laundering compliance.

The organisation will design financing programmes, provide loans and conduct studies to identify weaknesses in the financing market.

Cyprus will provide €60 million in initial capital. Over time, the body will also be able to raise funding from European and international institutions and benefit from state guarantees linked to approved strategic priorities.

Recovery Plan Milestone

Creation of the organisation is one of the final milestones under Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan and is required for the country to receive the plan’s ninth and final payment. Appointment of the board of directors remains the last outstanding step.

Before approving the bill, the Finance Ministry revised the draft following consultations with MPs and stakeholders. The changes removed provisions allowing the organisation to establish companies and narrowed the list of eligible beneficiaries by excluding small mid-cap companies.

Lawmakers also strengthened governance rules by introducing stricter board suitability requirements, conflict-of-interest safeguards, enhanced reporting obligations and borrowing limits. A seven-member board appointed by the Cabinet will oversee the organisation, while a transitional board will serve for two years until it becomes fully operational.

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