Bureau of
International Recycling News

To BIR member companies involved in metal scrap trade with India

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

To BIR member companies involved in metal scrap trade with India

BIR’s Indian member association MRAI informed the BIR Secretariat that the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, has been issuing two customs notifications on 8 May 2013 with immediate effect.

These notifications (nr 25/2013 and 26/2013) are modifying the import duty structure as follows :

Aluminium, ferrous (iron and steel) and stainless steel scrap : increase of basic customs duty from 0% to 2.5%
Brass scrap : increase of the special additional duty of customs (SAD) from 0% to 4%.

MRAI has expressed its disappointment towards the Indian Government, stating that these measures will hinder the use of metal scrap in India, impact the domestic scrap operations and lead to an unnecessary price increase of finished products.

The full texts of the notifications are available on the members only page of the BIR website using you login details (www.bir.org).

Upcoming Shanghai Convention - Keynote Session Tuesday, 28 May 2013 at 11.30 Chairlady of Nine Dragons Paper Group receives BIR Papyrus Award

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0200

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai (26-29 May 2013)

*Keynote SessionTuesday, 28 May 2013 at 11.30***

Chairlady of Nine Dragons Paper Group receives BIR Papyrus Award

Ms Cheung Yan, Chairlady and founder of Nine Dragons Paper Group, the world’s largest recovered paper based paper manufacturer, will be honoured by BIR in the framework of the Keynote Session on Tuesday, 28 May at 11.30.

The BIR Papyrus Award is in recognition of Ms Yan’s service to the industry, her achievement of substantial growth in recovered fibre consumption and for her leadership in social, quality and environmental management.

Ms Yan is one of the most influential businesspeople in China. She was named “Entrepreneur of the Year in China” by Ernst & Young and amongst others received the ”China Chamber of Commerce Contribution Award” and the “China Charity Award” by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the PRC. The Nine Dragons Group is a dedicated advocator of environmentally friendly manufacturing. Its extensive use of recovered paper as raw material has promoted the collection and recycling of domestic waste paper in China, thus facilitating sustainability for Chinese economic development. With its key environmental indices outperforming government requirements, the Group has won extensive government recognition and numerous awards in environmental management.

Ms Yan is also the founder of American Chung Nam, Inc, the world’s largest exporter of recovered paper material, headquartered in Los Angeles.

The BIR Papyrus Award was created to honour the “champions” of the paper recycling sector. It was agreed that the award would be made to a deserving individual during the Paper Division meeting at each BIR Spring Convention; and then at every BIR Autumn Convention, the prize would be conferred on a meritorious company or organization.

Ranjit Baxi, President of the BIR Paper Division, states: “It is a great honour for BIR that Ms Yan has accepted our invitation. Her leading role in the recognition of our sector’s massive environmental and social contribution, not least in terms of conserving resources and creating jobs, cannot be stressed enough.”

BIR World Mirror on Ferrous Metals / Quarterly Report - April 2013

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0200

BIR World Mirror on Ferrous Metals - April 2013

PRESIDENT'S OPENING REMARKS
by Christian Rubach, TSR Recycling

An argument based on facts not emotions

I am writing this foreword in New Delhi where I have been attending a great and perfectly-organised convention of the MRAI, the young Indian association of metal recyclers. During a panel discussion involving recyclers, politicians, law-makers and ministers, the issue of reliable statistics in India - which do not yet exist - was frequently outlined.

It is therefore with some pride that the Ferrous Division will present the 4^th edition of its statistical report “World Steel Recycling in Figures” at the upcoming BIR World Recycling Convention in Shanghai. This latest edition will help BIR and its European daughter association EFR to promote our demand for free and fair trade worldwide, and to argue - with facts rather than emotions - that the availability of scrap in Europe, in the USA and in other member states of the OECD is sufficient for the steel industries of those countries and regions, and that a surplus of scrap is being generated and processed year by year which is being exported to third countries. This surplus is not taken away from the national steel industries in an unfriendly move by the recycling industry; no, the contrary is true...

Read the full world market report in our members' area.

Upcoming Shanghai Convention - ITC Workshop, 29 May at 09.30: Everything you always wanted to know about The Cost of Doing Business!

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0200

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai (26-29 May 2013)

*International Trade Council: Wednesday, 29 May 2013 at 9.30***

Everything you always wanted to know about

The Cost of Doing Business!

After the tremendous success of the last ITC workshop on Theft and Fraud at the 2012 BIR Spring Convention in Rome, the International Trade Council is now focussing on another topic of huge interest to recycling companies: The cost of doing business.

Making a profit is difficult enough these days and often the costs of insurance, currency hedging and banking eat into that profit without our noticing. In the current economic climate, keeping costs to a healthy minimum has become crucial for many companies. Where to spend and where to save money is a key element in any company’s business strategy.

It is therefore vital to understand how costs and charges are calculated and levied.

BIR has invited key experts of the banking and insurance sector who will shine a light on various financial aspects affecting any international business deal.

Don’t miss this opportunity to draw real benefit for your company!

BIR World Mirror on Recovered Paper / Quarterly Report - April 2013

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0200

BIR World Mirror on Recovered Paper / Quarterly Report - April 2013

PRESIDENT’S REPORT featuring Asia
by Ranjit Baxi, J&H Sales International Ltd

After the volatilities seen in 2011 and 2012, the markets are looking to 2013 to be a year of recovery - although it still promises to be another challenging period. Projections for European and Asian economies are all pointing to positive growth, albeit from as low as 0.5% for some European countries up to 8% for China. Talk of recessionary trends in Western economies has receded and consumer confidence has been gradually recovering.

Recovered fibre prices and demand started strengthening in early January and continued to higher levels from the previous quarter. Currency fluctuations in this quarter helped to maintain a strong export price, with the US dollar/Euro exchange rate strengthening from 1.37 to 1.28 and with similar movements seen in sterling.

Freight rates remained reasonably stable during the quarter, with marginal increases seen in the latter part to give slightly higher levels than at the start of the year. There are indications of further freight increases in the second quarter (...)

Read the full market report in our members' area.

Metal Theft from Containers and Fraud still high on the BIR Agenda

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Metal Theft from Containers and Fraud still high on the BIR Agenda:

BIR strongly encourages member companies to make use of IMB services

As part of an agreement the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has in place with the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB), its members are encouraged to use the latter’s services to aid loss-prevention.

The BIR has recently publicised the joint efforts to collate information on container thefts (see previous BIR news about theft/fraud here). Whilst this process has begun, our world organisation encourages members to share more information. Once a critical mass of information has been reached the IMB can analyse the data and provide some meaningful assistance to industry in combating the problem.

Reports of fraud and malpractice by existing trading partners are also welcomed by the IMB. These reports will be sanitised and kept on record, with the Bureau acting as a clearing house for information which can be utilised by the BIR membership. There has previously been a reluctance to share such information, but by disseminating such details others in the industry may avoid losses and the potential fraudsters themselves discouraged.

One facility available to BIR members is the ability to check counterparties against IMB’s company database, which currently comprises over 200,000 companies. Over the years, this has proved to be an effective loss-prevention tool for IMB members in other industries. IMB provide a sanitised report of any information that they have on a company, which may help to provide a degree of confidence over an unknown company by showing their past trading activities. These simple checks can save time, effort and money in the pre-contract stages of a transaction.

The IMB is a specialised division of the International Chamber Of Commerce (ICC). It is a non-profit making organisation, established in 1981 to act as a focal point in the fight against all types of maritime crime and malpractice. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) in its resolution A 504 (XII) (5) and (9) adopted on 20 November 1981, has inter alia, urged governments, all interests and organisations to cooperate and exchange information with each other and the IMB with a view to maintaining and developing a co-ordinated action in combating maritime fraud. The IMB has a MOU with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and has observer status with Interpol (ICPO).

IMB’s main task is to protect the integrity of international trade by seeking out fraud and malpractice. For over 30 years, it has used industry knowledge, experience and access to a large number of well-placed contacts around the world to do this: identifying and investigating frauds, spotting new criminal methods and trends, and highlighting other threats to trade. All information received by the IMB is treated in total confidence.

It is through the timely sharing information that the industry can guard against wrongdoing and those that seek to exploit goodwill in the industry.

For more information on IMB and its services, email imb@icc-ccs.org (contact: Ian Rigby).

Operation Green Fence in China - Update

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Operation Green Fence in China - Update

Dear BIR Member,

Further to our news dated 2 April 2013 (also posted on our website) we would like to inform you that Operation Green Fence was set up merely to ensure the correct enforcement of existing legislation on waste imports by the customs authorities at all major ports of entry in China.

There is no new legislation.

BIR Members are requested to continue to abide by the former Chinese regulations as published on the BIR website (Members’ Area/Chinese Legislation).

See in particular BIR news dated 20 April 2010 on Customs Notice 21 and the explanatory documents.

A BIR Delegation has been invited by our US Member Association ISRI to a meeting with Chinese Officials during the ISRI Convention in Orlando next week.

Should BIR hear about any new developments in this respect, we will inform our members accordingly.

Upcoming Shanghai Convention - Keynote Session: Chandran Nair, a controversial visionary and a 'must' for companies doing business with Asia

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0200

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai (26-29 May 2013)

Keynote Session, Tuesday, 28 May at 11.30: Chandran Nair, a controversial visionary and a ‘must’ for companies doing business with Asia

Can Asia be a sustainability leader? How is Asia reshaping capitalism and saving the planet? BIR will be answering these and many other questions during the Keynote Session that will be held on 28 May at 11.30 in the framework of the 2013 World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai, with a highly inspirational presentation given by a leading expert on Asia’s role in globalisation:

Chandran Nair is the founder of the Global Institute for Tomorrow (GIFT), an independent social venture think tank based in Asia and dedicated to advancing an understanding of the impacts of globalisation through thought leadership and positive action to effect change. Chandran was also chairman of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) in the Asia Pacific until March 2004. He established the company as Asia's leader in environmental consulting.

For more than a decade, Mr. Nair has strongly advocated a more sustainable approach to development in Asia, and has helped the governments of Taiwan and Hong Kong instil these principles into their key decision-making processes. He continues to advise the Hong Kong government, devising a new approach that gives the public a bigger role in key policymaking decisions.

He has worked and travelled extensively. Corporations seek his advice on how to meet the challenges of doing business in Asia and of globalization, on investment geopolitics, leadership development, ethics, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

He has addressed many of these issues at forums around the world, notably at speaking engagements in London, New York, Washington, Sydney and all of the major Asian capitals. He writes frequently and his articles have appeared in international publications including the Financial Times.

His first book is entitled, “Consumptionomics: Asia’s Role in Reshaping Capitalism and Saving the Planet” which was published in December 2010.

GIFT’s Global Young Leaders Programme has gained international recognition as an innovation in leadership learning with its emphasis on “learning through the eyes of others”. It provides young executives with the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to navigate an increasingly complex world, beyond those taught in classrooms.

Mr Nair is also the Chairman of Avantage Ventures, an Asian based boutique investment advisory company in the field of high impact social investing. The Company was established in 2010.

In addition to his work with GIFT, Chandran has maintained his interest in business, continuing to provide strategic management advice and coaching to business leaders with a focus on achieving growth targets and bringing about organizational change.

Mr Nair is a visiting scholar at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s School of Business, running a course, “Leading in Asia for the Future”, as part of the HKUST MBA programme.

He has been an advisor to the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum, the World Wildlife Fund in Asia, and to the Jane Goodall Institute. He is a fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Directors. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

A keen sportsman, Mr Nair managed the Hong Kong hockey team for seven years, taking it to the 2002 Asian Games in South Korea. He plays the saxophone and used to head a band in Africa where he worked as a volunteer for three years building rural water supply and sanitation schemes. He has lived and worked in Asia, Europe and Africa.

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - April 2013

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0200

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - April 2013

New committee to reflect electronic scrap growth

Under the auspices and as a part of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division, our new electronic scrap committee will make its debut at our Spring Convention in Shanghai with a workshop scheduled to start at 16.30 on Monday May 27.

Electronic scrap, evident in so many different forms, is a rapidly growing sector of our industry. It is at once dynamic and very different from the more mainstream and less complex metals so common in our industry.

Along with that dynamism comes a very different nuance in the grades of material; the way they are treated; and the myriad of regulations that pertain to their recycling. It is for these reasons that we chose to establish a committee of the Non-Ferrous Metals Division to keep our members informed about this rapidly changing sector of the industry.

In the coming weeks, we will announce the leadership of the committee and the content of its workshop in Shanghai.

Robert Stein
Alter Trading (USA)
President of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division
january 2013

Read the full market report in our members' area.

Operation Green Fence in China

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Operation Green Fence in China

Some days ago, BIR was made aware of the existence of an initiative called Operation Green Fence in China.

On behalf of its membership, BIR has since tried to obtain more information about this initiative and is in close contact with Chinese officials and local operators.

There is still a lot of confusion and BIR will keep monitoring the issue. As soon as a clearer picture arises, BIR will not fail to inform its members.

BIR 2013 World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai : BIR increases room allotment at the Pudong Shangri-La!!!

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai (26-29 May 2013)

BIR increases room allotment at the Pudong Shangri-La!!!

After the huge success of the first BIR Convention in China (Beijing) in 2006, Shanghai 2013 promises to be yet another key event for the international recycling industry.

As we have just passed the early-bird registration deadline, around 600 delegates have already signed up for our upcoming global recycling gathering. In order to accommodate the increasing demand, BIR has negotiated a higher room allotment at the Pudong Shangri-La.

With China still being the fastest growing nation worldwide, thereby necessitating vast amounts of ‘raw materials’ despite a temporary slow-down in demand, the recycling industry has a key position in the economic expansion of the Middle Kingdom.

BIR already counts among its members a continuously increasing number of Chinese companies and national federations. However, many Chinese businesspeople will take our upcoming World Recycling Convention as opportunity to participate as observers and get to know BIR membership.

In the following days, we will be announcing the programme of the various Commodity Sessions and workshops: keynote speakers from industry, international organisations and finance will complement the in-depth market information supplied by the divisional board members, covering key markets around the globe.

The international exhibition for machine/equipment manufacturers and service suppliers will provide an overview of state-of-the-art technology and allow companies to showcase their products to our international attendees. If you are interested in an exhibition stand or a hospitality booth, please contact us asap as space is selling very quickly. The same applies to our sponsorship opportunities which you should not miss!

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - March 2013

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0100

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - March 2013

What goes around ...

Non-ferrous scrap markets, just like all commodities, enjoy (or suffer) the cyclicality of the demand and supply paradigm. Who might be “in the driver’s seat” changes constantly, something that both scrap merchant and consumer need always to keep in mind. What goes around, as they say, comes around.

I am reminded of a story told to me by a veteran of our industry who last year had the opportunity to visit a large copper smelter to whom he had recently begun shipping scrap. After traveling quite literally half way around the world, and then some, he anticipated a cordial greeting from the smelter manager. “Your prices are the highest that we have to pay anybody in the world, your quality is at best average, your shipments are late and your communications are poor.” My proud friend was astonished; after all, he has been in the copper scrap game beyond three decades. He protested that he was proud of his scrap, that it had universal acceptance as a quality product, and that it was competitively priced.

Read the full world market report in our members' area.

Metal theft from containers - Update: BIR is alarmed in light of increasing crime rate

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Metal theft from containers - Update: BIR is alarmed in light of increasing crime rate

Over the last weeks, more BIR member companies have been reporting cargo losses due to theft and fraud, particularly with containers in transit in certain parts of the world. These reports show that the problem of metal theft from containers, which was extensively discussed during a special workshop at BIR’s 2012 World Recycling Convenion in Rome, is still ongoing.

There have been several cases of containers being tampered with en route, often on their way to and from the terminals, with growing evidence of organised crime involvement. Sophisticated theft techniques seem to make it possible to open certain container types whilst leaving the seals intact. The losses are only discovered once the container arrives at the consignee’s warehouse.

Following a special agreement with the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) (see BIR News dated 10.08.2012), BIR is in regular contact with this organisation to identify solutions that IMB anti-fraud services could provide to BIR membership.

Both BIR and IMB would like to further encourage companies to report such losses to the IMB. This will help define the scale of the problem and identify possible trends / similarites. This pooled information could well reveal a much larger criminal activity that could then not be easily ignored by the authorities.

In addition, we strongly recommend shippers to consider using more robust container seals and ‘smart box’ container technology in an effort to reduce their exposure to such losses.

It is difficult to quantify the damage, but reported cargo losses due to theft and fraud, throughout the supply chain, have been estimated to reach an amount of up to USD 200 billion.

The issue of container losses affecting BIR members has featured in a number of IMB publications and as articles on the www.icc-ccs.org website. Increased reporting of losses will ensure greater coverage in the future!

Losses from containers should continue to be reported to imb@icc-ccs.org. This information will be treated confidentially.

IMB recommends that BIR members post a warning on their website.

BIR World Mirror on Ferrous Metals / Quarterly Report - February 2013

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

BIR World Mirror on Ferrous Metals - February 2013

PRESIDENT'S OPENING REMARKS
by Christian Rubach, TSR Recycling

Challenges remain amid mixed outlook

Dear friends and colleagues,

2012 was a difficult year for our industry. Looking at the latest press release from worldsteel a few days ago, steel production statistics recorded by the various countries and continents again reveal a highly diverse picture: Asia and North America enjoyed positive growth rates of, respectively, 2.6% and 2.5% whereas EU steel production shrank, most notably in Spain and Italy by, in turn, 12.1% and 5.2%. Europe is economically ‘the sick man’ and its political future is still unclear. I personally fear that 2013 will not be the year of a positive turn-round in Europe’s fortunes; its current plight may last into 2014 or even longer.

The global challenges for our industry - such as overcapacity, trade barriers and export restrictions - are also far from being resolved. New and dangerous challenges continue to be added. Bank of England governor Mervyn King warns of a “currency war” and of the run for devaluation. At the forthcoming BIR Convention in Shanghai...

Read the full world market report in our members' area.

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - January/February 2013

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - January/February 2013

A solid place for our industry

The flow of non-ferrous scrap around the world continues to evidence strong patterns of demand from nations with limited or geographically-displaced supplies of scrap or of naturally-occurring ore deposits from which to make virgin metal. This portends a solid place for our industry in the many years to come as industrializing nations’ economies expand to become developed economies, ie when their per-capita GDP reaches certain financial thresholds and they are no longer considered to be in states of development.

Usually, this comes hand in hand with increased availabilities of domestic non-ferrous scrap, together with consumerism, enhanced production capabilities and overall economic maturity. We have seen this in many parts of Asia over the past decades - think of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

This will most certainly occur in China. As we look forward to our spring meeting in Shanghai at the end of May, the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division will address, among other subjects, how our industry might look in an era when that country is less dependent on scrap generated by the outside world. While the paradigm change may be years in the offing, it’s something we in the non-ferrous market need to consider as we look to the future of our business.

Robert Stein
Alter Trading (USA)
President of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division
january 2013

Read the full market report in our members' area.

WARNING: Commercial fraud in the recycling industry

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

WARNING: Commercial fraud in the recycling industry - fake BIR membership certificates

It has come to the attention of BIR that dubious individuals take on the identity of well-established companies and use spurious documents - including forged certificates - which falsely claim BIR membership in an attempt to deceive innocent trading partners.

Before entering a business transaction, we urge you to check the validity of their BIR membership and in case of doubt contact BIR at: bir@bir.org

BIR flags up persisting problem with fraudulent business transactions

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

BIR flags up persisting problem with fraudulent business transactions

BIR is very concerned in light of the on-going spate of spurious business offers in the international recycling industry involving non-existent cargoes of scrap metal.

In recent weeks, several cases were reported to BIR whereby cargoes of scrap metal were offered to member companies at knock-down prices. These ‘deals’ were accompanied by a set of documents confirming the quality of the goods on offer.

After verification through the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) it became apparent that these documents were not authentic - in several cases, the same documents had been presented on multiple occasions with different company names. This suggests that either the same individuals were behind these offers, or that the documents were available in the public domain and ready to be manipulated by any fraudulent individual.

According to IMB, a further analysis of these offers revealed that they were quite frequently made in the name of real traders, whose identities were ‘cloned’ for fraudulent purposes. One strategy seemed to be the creation of a new website with a domain name similar to that of the genuine company, featuring its contact details but with different telephone numbers. In the meantime the IMB found out that at least one of these numbers was used for multiple companies and that email communications allegedly sent from a UK-based company were actually generated in Nigeria.

IMB also pointed out that, if a potential buyer would be sufficiently tempted by these offers and agree to take a sample cargo, he would be provided with a set of shipping documents and a link to an online cargo tracking site to monitor the progress of these cargoes, which were allegedly transported by a well-known carrier.

IMB has also seen a number of cases of major carriers’ websites being cloned to provide convincing tracking facilities. These are often hosted on domains with names similar to the genuine carrier’s website.

Once funds are handed over but the customer does not receive the goods, there is very little he/she can do to recover the loss. Law enforcement will not get involved unless there is proof that a crime has taken place in their jurisdiction. Furthermore, many of the cases involve funds of under USD 100,000, making them quite often low priority for the already overburdened police.

The Bureau of International Recycling has an agreement with IMB to share information on fraud and theft in the recycling industry. BIR urges its members companies that any suspicious documents or fraudulent activity be reported to IMB so that the information can be disseminated to manage risk.

To report a fraud, or for more information on IMB services, please email imb@icc-ccs.org

IMB recommends that BIR members post a warning on their website.

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition 2013, Shanghai, (26) 27-29 May 2013

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition 2013, Shanghai, (26) 27-29 May 2013

Provisional Programme and Online Registration now available!

The provisional programme and online registration of the 2013 World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai from 26 May to 29 May 2013 at the Pǔdōng Shangri-La Hotel have just been released.

The provisional programme in English (as well as summary versions in French and German), the registration form and the booking form for advertising space are available on the BIR website

Shanghai is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic cities in the world’s fastest-changing economy and also a perfect meeting venue, offering excellent accessibility from all over the world and ideal framework conditions in terms of business and leisure.

The Pǔdōng Shangri-La Hotel is an internationally recognized five-star business hotel located on the famous Huangpu River in Shanghai’s vibrant Lujiazui financial district, directly opposite the historical Bund.

Over the last years, our convention attendance has steadily increased beyond the 1000-delegates mark, making BIR events the most international business forum for the recycling industry.

Come and join us for yet another memorable event and take advantage of our early-bird special rates!

All details concerning the exhibition - reserved to BIR machine and equipment manufacturers as well as service providers - will be circulated to our member firms in a few weeks’ time.

BIR World Mirror on Recovered Paper / Quarterly Report - January 2013

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0100

BIR World Mirror on Recovered Paper / Quarterly Report - January 2013

PRESIDENT’S REPORT featuring Asia
by Ranjit Baxi, J&H Sales International Ltd

European and Asian demand for the fourth quarter of 2012 started to look more bullish with the news that some of the European economies were signalling possible emergence from the recessionary trends seen earlier in the year.

October began with a strengthening of fibre prices, leading into November with the market anticipating a firmer end to the quarter. However, after mid-November, exports to China slowed as many of the medium-sized mills had utilised their import allocations for the year, and also because, with the approaching Chinese New Year holidays, most of the exports shipped from Europe from mid-December to early January were likely to arrive in the shut-down period.

With the Christmas closures in Europe, there was a rather weak and volatile December market in which prices and supply were chasing each other.

The anticipated longshoremen’s strike at US ports, which was due to take place at the end of 2012, has again been postponed to sometime early in the first quarter of 2013 (...)

Read the full market report in our members' area.

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - December 2012

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0100

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - December 2012

Productive year for our Division

As if seeking redemption for providing us a lackluster year, metals prices have shown good strength in the approach to year’s end. While fiscal instability and low interest costs have attracted some to invest in metals again, anticipated improvement in some economies has also been a contributor to the rise in prices.

It has been a productive year for the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division. We have made some inroads into assisting our members with guidance on handling thefts from containers; we had two very well-attended and well-received programs at our Conventions; and we expanded international representation on our board in order to provide our members with a broader-based knowledge of the world’s non-ferrous scrap trade.

We initiated a study on the international movement of copper and aluminum around the world, and again our board members addressed several conferences on our sector held in a number of locations around the world.

I wish you all the very best for 2013, and thank you all for your participation in the Non-Ferrous Metals Division of BIR. We look forward to working with you all in the coming year.

Robert Stein
Alter Trading (USA)
President of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division
December 2012

Read the full market report in our members' area.

Bureau of International Recycling News

To BIR member companies involved in metal scrap trade with India

To BIR member companies involved in metal scrap trade with India

Upcoming Shanghai Convention - Keynote Session Tuesday, 28 May 2013 at 11.30 Chairlady of Nine Dragons Paper Group receives BIR Papyrus Award

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai (26-29 May 2013)

Keynote SessionTuesday, 28 May 2013 at 11.30

Chairlady of Nine Dragons Paper Group receives BIR Papyrus Award

BIR World Mirror on Ferrous Metals / Quarterly Report - April 2013

BIR World Mirror on Ferrous Metals - April 2013

PRESIDENT'S OPENING REMARKSby Christian Rubach, TSR Recycling

Upcoming Shanghai Convention - ITC Workshop, 29 May at 09.30: Everything you always wanted to know about The Cost of Doing Business!

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai (26-29 May 2013)

International Trade Council: Wednesday, 29 May 2013 at 9.30

Everything you always wanted to know about

The Cost of Doing Business!

BIR World Mirror on Recovered Paper / Quarterly Report - April 2013

BIR World Mirror on Recovered Paper / Quarterly Report - April 2013

PRESIDENT’S REPORT featuring Asia by Ranjit Baxi, J&H Sales International Ltd

Metal Theft from Containers and Fraud still high on the BIR Agenda

Metal Theft from Containers and Fraud still high on the BIR Agenda:

BIR strongly encourages member companies to make use of IMB services

Operation Green Fence in China - Update

Operation Green Fence in China - Update

Upcoming Shanghai Convention - Keynote Session: Chandran Nair, a controversial visionary and a 'must' for companies doing business with Asia

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai (26-29 May 2013)

Keynote Session, Tuesday, 28 May at 11.30: Chandran Nair, a controversial visionary and a ‘must’ for companies doing business with Asia

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - April 2013

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - April 2013

Operation Green Fence in China

Operation Green Fence in China

BIR 2013 World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai : BIR increases room allotment at the Pudong Shangri-La!!!

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai (26-29 May 2013)

BIR increases room allotment at the Pudong Shangri-La!!!

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - March 2013

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - March 2013

Metal theft from containers - Update: BIR is alarmed in light of increasing crime rate

Metal theft from containers - Update: BIR is alarmed in light of increasing crime rate

BIR World Mirror on Ferrous Metals / Quarterly Report - February 2013

BIR World Mirror on Ferrous Metals - February 2013

PRESIDENT'S OPENING REMARKSby Christian Rubach, TSR Recycling

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - January/February 2013

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - January/February 2013

WARNING: Commercial fraud in the recycling industry

WARNING: Commercial fraud in the recycling industry - fake BIR membership certificates

BIR flags up persisting problem with fraudulent business transactions

BIR flags up persisting problem with fraudulent business transactions

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition 2013, Shanghai, (26) 27-29 May 2013

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition 2013, Shanghai, (26) 27-29 May 2013

Provisional Programme and Online Registration now available!

BIR World Mirror on Recovered Paper / Quarterly Report - January 2013

BIR World Mirror on Recovered Paper / Quarterly Report - January 2013

PRESIDENT’S REPORT featuring Asia by Ranjit Baxi, J&H Sales International Ltd

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - December 2012

BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - December 2012

Bureau of
International Recycling News

*Keynote SessionTuesday, 28 May 2013 at 11.30***

PRESIDENT'S OPENING REMARKS
by Christian Rubach, TSR Recycling

*International Trade Council: Wednesday, 29 May 2013 at 9.30***

PRESIDENT’S REPORT featuring Asia
by Ranjit Baxi, J&H Sales International Ltd

PRESIDENT'S OPENING REMARKS
by Christian Rubach, TSR Recycling

PRESIDENT’S REPORT featuring Asia
by Ranjit Baxi, J&H Sales International Ltd