The metal and recycling industry is no stranger to difficulties. However, over the past few years, the world has overcome and seen many issues that have affected not just one industry but every sector, from sales to manufacturing. Like the rest of the global population, the knock-on effect of the pandemic of 2020 and other challenges have made it a tough time for the entirety of the metal industry.
We will be looking at the current challenges still impacting the metal recycling sector in 2025 and how businesses, including Morecambe Metals, are adapting to ensure reliable, sustainable scrap metal recycling for individuals, tradespeople, and industries alike.
Global Export & Import Rules
In 2025, one of the key policy shifts affecting the metal industry has been the potential for restrictions on steel exports from the UK. The British Metals Recycling Association has highlighted government plans to limit exports of scrap steel, especially to non-OECD countries, to make sure domestic manufacturers have reliable access to scrap feedstock. This change reflects concerns about supply shortages as the UK steel sector transitions to electric arc furnaces.
The UK Trade Remedies Authority has also proposed quota caps on steel imports from certain countries. The aim is to protect the domestic market from oversupply and unfair price pressures. S could have an effect on pricing, availability and the way businesses source their metals.
Morecambe Metals is positioned to help businesses navigate these changing dynamics. As domestic demand for recycled steel grows and export options become more constrained, our large-scale ferrous and non-ferrous recycling operations, combined with efficient local collection services, mean we can provide reliable supply within the UK market.
The Russia-Ukraine War
Russia is a crucial contributor to the production of aluminium, steel, and nickel. The current sanctions imposed to prevent global trading are increasing these materials’ prices significantly.
Whilst under no sanctions, Ukraine is a major exporter of iron and steel, and the supply of these metals is impacted by their concentration on preventing Russia from overtaking the country. This issue has created delays, and many European manufacturers are reassessing their scrap metal buyers.
Manufacturers are increasingly seeking local or recycled sources to reduce reliance on disrupted international markets. Morecambe Metals supports this shift by providing high-quality, recycled ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ensuring businesses can continue production without supply interruptions.
Nickel and aluminium remain in high demand, particularly for electric vehicles and construction. By specialising in non-ferrous metal recycling, Morecambe Metals helps meet this demand, offering sustainable alternatives to raw materials previously supplied by Russia and Ukraine.
The Cost of Living and Energy Challenges
The most recent challenge the metal industry has had to face is the cost-of-living prices which have more than tripled from 12 months ago.
- Petrol Prices – Transportation of materials has become extremely expensive, whether it’s the collection of skips and scrap metal or the carrying of processed metal to be melted down into reusable material. A typical artic lorry can hold up to 300 litres of fuel and be the highest cost to a business, with many transportation sectors reporting a £20,000 increase in fuel bills per year. Although this cost has slowly begun to deplete, it is still an issue affecting the metal industry and forcing manufacturers to shop more locally for their materials.
- Energy Prices – The cost of overheads and energy is also detrimental to the cost of producing materials and processing recycled metals. It affects the employees who require higher wages to cover their own costs, and the businesses within the supply chain also suffer from their expenses. This impact results in higher prices for processing metals and the price for which they are purchased and sold.
Morecambe Metals has adapted to these challenges by offering efficient local collection services and streamlined processing, helping clients reduce transportation costs and access high-quality recycled materials without extra overheads.
How the Industry Adapting
Several years of global challenges have been significant to the metal production industry. However, this has forced the industry to assess its trading and manufacturing, leading to more local purchases. Instead of seeking raw materials from overseas, companies are consciously choosing more local suppliers, resulting in more recycled metals being used. This shift of balance has been a positive one for the likes of the environment and the local infrastructure. As time goes on, we may see more and more “in-house” manufacturing, with more locally sourced materials, reducing the carbon footprint within the broad supply chains.
Here at Morecambe Metals, we understand the importance that scrap metal recycling plays in the supply chain of the metal industry. For example, our ferrous metal recycling process can handle up to 2000 tonnes of steel a week, a material in high demand, which can assist in producing usable materials and reduces the energy required for mining by up to 75%.
Key Benefits of Working with Morecambe Metals
Using a licensed, complaint dealer like Morecambe Metals isn’t just about legality, it’s about getting reliable service and excellent value. A registered dealer ensures:
- Safe, legal transactions with proof of sale
- Proper handling of hazardous and non-hazardous metals
- Transparent pricing based on current market rates
- Support with meeting new business recycling requirements
Whether you’re clearing metal from a renovation project, old vehicles, or industrial machinery, our team ensures everything is processed efficiently and responsibility. We offer scrap metal collection, vehicle recycling services and factory clearance, making it simple to recycle responsibly while supporting your business operations.
We don’t just follow the law, we make it easy for you to recycle responsibly, save time and support environmental protection.
Need Help with Scrap Metal?
If you’re looking for a trusted scrap metal dealer in the UK, Morecambe Metals is here to help. Our fully licensed team ensures all transactions are legal, safe, and transparent. With the latest regulations now in place, it’s more important than ever to choose a partner who understands the changing rules.
Contact us today to learn how we can collect, process, and recycle your scrap metal, helping you meet legal requirements while supporting a greener future.