Nick Rose of Tandom Metallurgical Ltd. identifies „a total lack of confidence in the UK“, driven by „fears of another global slump“. According to Rose, this leaves the domestic metal industry still struggling. Prices are not only down, they have reached historic lows. The only positive aspect for British traders is the weak pound, according to Rose.
Italy is also steering towards a consolidation, especially regarding the scrap collectors. According to Leopoldo Clemente of LCD Trading, a new „Green Economy“ law requires walking recyclers to enrol with the Italian register of authorised environmental companies for collection and transportation. Clemente emphasises the importance of these recyclers for the ferrous and non-ferrous recycling industry. On the other hand, there are a number of positive signs. Clemente mentions the „strong foundations for a rich collaboration“ between Italy and Iran, following the nuclear agreement between Iran and the UN Security Council. There is also greater confidence among Italian consumers, as Clemente points out. He also states that there was „greater use of industrial plants in the fourth quarter 2015“, which could increase investment levels in 2016.
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