Since 1938, the United States has recognised May as World Trade Month and used it as an opportunity to celebrate the importance of international trade to the U.S. economy.  “The recycling industry is vital to global supply chains, manufacturing, and the environment,” said Joe Pickard, ISRI Chief Economist and Director of Commodities. “It is not possible to capture the full economic and environmental benefits of recycling without international trade, and recycling is critical to creating a sustainable, circular economy.” 

 
The recycling industry’s export-related economic impact in the U.S. in 2021 was $35.7 billion, the ISRI press release highlighted. This includes more than $11 billion in wages and $3.8 billion in taxes generated. U.S. recycled commodity exports reached the highest level in a decade in 2021, and since 2000, the U.S. recycling industry exports have made a positive contribution to the U.S. trade balance of nearly $300 billion.
 
According to the statement, recycling impacts world trade by employing readily available recycled commodities into the supply chain, providing necessary relief for manufacturers experiencing delays while awaiting virgin materials. Recycled materials are a key manufacturing feedstock that meets about 40 % of the world’s industrial raw material needs. By exporting excess valuable recycled commodities to other countries, the recycling industry helps prevent the need to extract more of the earth’s finite natural resources.