Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič has ruled out immediate legislative measures to restrict or tax copper waste and scrap exports, arguing that a 10.8% rise in exports in early 2026 does not yet justify trade intervention. The answer, given on 29 July 2026, responds to a parliamentary question from S&D MEP Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, who warned that copper scrap leakage threatens EU industrial autonomy amid surging demand for the metal in energy and digital infrastructure.
Šefčovič pointed to existing monitoring tools: the Commission introduced surveillance of steel, aluminium, and copper scrap imports and exports in July 2025, and strengthened it in the RESourceEU Action Plan of December 2025. That plan committed to targeted measures on aluminium scrap and similar measures for copper if needed. However, the Commissioner stated that copper waste and scrap exports from January to May 2026 increased only modestly compared to the same period in 2025, and that this does not currently warrant a trade measure or other legislative initiative. He added that the Commission continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to act if necessary.
The answer contains no concrete proposals, numerical targets, or deadlines for future action on copper scrap. It reaffirms the Commission's existing policy orientation: relying on surveillance and a case-by-case approach rather than pre-emptive restrictions. For EU copper recyclers and industries dependent on scrap, this means continued uncertainty about supply security. For exporters of copper waste, the absence of immediate restrictions is a reprieve. Environmental groups may see the lack of action as a missed opportunity to keep valuable resources within the EU circular economy. The Commission's stance signals that any future measure will require a sharper increase in exports or stronger evidence of supply disruption before legislative steps are taken.