UK scrap steel companies battle limits on metal exports

Bulk of UK scrap steel is exported, which industry groups say could cost up to 5bn in lost revenue and 20,000 jobs

Metals recyclers are at loggerheads with the British steel industry over a call to limit lucrative scrap exports so steel can be reused by UK furnaces.

The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) claims a ban on scrap steel exports to less wealthy countries could cost 5bn in lost economic activity and as many as 20,000 jobs. Steelmakers in the UK are keen to retain the metal to melt down into new steel.