ReMA President Robin Wiener testified at the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Public Hearing on the First Joint Review of the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA) agreement, held December 3-5, 2025. The review, scheduled for July 1, 2026, examines the six-year implementation of the agreement, with witnesses from various industry and trade organizations providing testimony.

During her remarks, Wiener emphasized the importance of the recycled materials industry in supporting North American manufacturing. She noted that the industry sustains nearly 600,000 jobs and generates over US$170 billion in economic activity annually. U.S. recyclers process more than 130 million metric tons of recycled materials each year, providing critical inputs for manufacturers, with 70% of U.S. steel and 80-85% of U.S. aluminum produced from recycled materials. In 2024, 89% of recycled material imports came from Canada and Mexico.

Wiener urged the U.S. to maintain duty-free trade in recycled materials, preserve existing USMCA waste and scrap rules, and address challenges from the Basel Convention. ReMA’s engagement aims to support stable, tariff-free North American supply chains and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.