According to a report by BN Americas, Colombia's metals industry chamber Fedemetal is working to control non-ferrous scrap metal export.
The sector is focused on controlling the exit of non-ferrous scrap metal, as this type of scrap (aluminum, copper and bronze) already presents supply problems, said Juan Manuel Lesmes, the chamber president. "We are asking the government to restrict their exports."
Lesmes said that the purchase of ferrous scrap metal by Colombian steelmakers has proved successful. "They have opened scrap collection yards, the pay is good and there has been an adequate supply."
The country's industrialists' association ANDI, Fedemetal's parent, has tried to convince the government to ban non-ferrous scrap metal exports, as other countries in the region have done, the official added.
But last September, Colombia's national exporters association Analdex announced it would not recommend restrictions on aluminum and copper scrap exports, arguing there is not a domestic shortage.
Lesmes, who does not agree with Analdex, said at the time that in the first four months of 2005, non-ferrous scrap metal exports to China averaged 5,000t/y from the traditional 1,000t/y.