The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) has warned that government plans to restrict scrap steel exports could be a short-sighted move, risking billions in lost economic output and thousands of jobs.

The UK government, as part of its February steel strategy, is considering curbs to secure supply for low-carbon electric arc furnaces (EAFs), which can use 100% scrap.

However, BMRA argues that even if all UK furnaces converted to EAFs by 2050, they would only require two-thirds of domestic scrap supply, leaving one-third still needing export.