The recycled metals industry is growing domestically and internationally, in part fueled by the rapid expansion of construction and automotive manufacturing. Now, tariffs may be giving it a boost.

The U.S. market for scrap metal recycling <a href="https://www.factmr.com/report/us-scrap-metal-recycling-market" target="_blank" class="article-hover-class">registered</a> a growth of 3.7 percent between 2017 and 2021. The global recycled metals market is expected to expand 6 percent from 2025 to 2034, according to an <a href="https://www.precedenceresearch.com/recycled-metal-market" target="_blank" class="article-hover-class">analysis</a> by Precedence Research. It was valued at $2.8 billion in 2024.

Experts say short term effects are mixed, but tariffs could boost America’s domestic recycling industry in the long run.{ai:summary}<p>The recycled metals industry is experiencing growth both in the U.S. and globally, driven by the construction and automotive sectors. The U.S. scrap metal recycling market grew by 3.7% from 2017 to 2021, with global market projections indicating a 6% expansion from 2025 to 2034.</p><p>The industry was valued at $2.8 billion in 2024, suggesting a positive outlook bolstered by tariffs. #economy</p>

Why Metal Recyclers Are Optimistic About Tariffs

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