The global recycling trade for twelve critical metals: Based on trade pattern and trade quality analysis

Abstract

Critical metals are of great significance to high-tech industries and new energy industries, and are important strategic resources for all countries. In addition to the competition for ore resources, the countries have also begun to pay attention to the recovery of critical metals. The global recycling trade of critical metals is booming and is in a complex and dynamic phase. To grasp the evolution of the global recycling trade pattern of critical metals, this paper constructs the Global Critical Metals Recycling Trade Network (GCMRTN) and the Global Critical Metals Recycling Trade Core-Periphery Evaluation System (G-CPES). Compare the current trade status, trade characteristics, and the characteristics of core countries for twelve critical metals. To evaluate the recycling trade quality in various countries, this study constructs the Global Critical Metals Recycling Trade Quality Evaluation System (G-TQES), which provides a reference for policymakers to ensure the safety of critical metals supply by adjusting trade policies. The results indicate that: (1) There are significant differences between the recycling trade of bulk critical metals and rare critical metals. The recycling trade model of rare metals cannot fully learn from bulk metals. In the future, there will be both opportunities and challenges in the recycling trade of rare critical metals; (2) China's critical metals recycling trade is in the initial stage, the United States is in the development stage, and Germany is in the mature stage, and their recycling trade activities affect the world. (3) Countries such as China in the initial stage of the recycling trade are often subject to strict recycling policies. Countries such as the United States in the development stage are often limited by lax recycling policies. To this end, this paper put forward corresponding policy suggestions to help countries adjust their trade strategies promptly.