Middle East Copper Scrap Market: Recycling Policy and High-Growth Segments

Policy direction and high-growth segments are shaping the Middle East copper scrap market. Polaris Market Research reports that the market was valued at USD 304.71 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 575.75 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2025 to 2034. Saudi Arabia held the dominant position in 2024, supported by rapid infrastructure development and immense demand for copper.

Policy Momentum Toward Recycling

The growing push for a circular economy is driving expansion of the industry. Polaris notes that many Middle Eastern countries are working to diversify their economies and avoid reliance on oil, with a strong focus on sustainable practices and waste management that boosts the recycling of materials such as copper. Government policies and goals to reduce waste and carbon emissions support this shift, and regulations encouraging recycling make scrap a more attractive option than newly mined copper.

Green technologies add to demand. Electric vehicles and renewable energy systems require large amounts of copper, and the adoption of recycled copper helps meet that demand sustainably. Recycling also helps conserve natural resources and reduces the need for primary copper production. The report cites the International Energy Agency's Renewables 2024 report, which highlights projects such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the UAE and the Sudair solar plant in Saudi Arabia.

Fastest-Growing Segments

Polaris anticipates the highest growth rates in four segments. In feed material, new scrap, also called prompt scrap, comes from manufacturing processes, including trimmings, offcuts and leftover materials from copper product factories. Rapid industrialization supports its growth, and the material is often cleaner and of higher purity than scrap from end-of-life products.

By scrap grade, bare bright is the highest-quality and most valuable grade, consisting of pure, unalloyed and uncoated wire. Demand is rising due to its suitability for specialized, high-tech applications such as renewable energy infrastructure, sophisticated electrical grids, electric vehicle technology and smart city developments. Polaris expects this grade to register the highest growth rate in its category during the forecast period.

By application, ingot makers melt copper scrap into ingots, which are metal blocks that can be transported and re-melted, especially for brass production. Growth is driven by rising demand for brass products such as fittings, valves and decorative items. By end use, electrical and electronics is expected to grow fastest, as countries invest in new power grids, renewable energy and advanced digital infrastructure.

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https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/middle-east-copper-scrap-market 

Country Dynamics in the UAE and Israel

The UAE is described as a major trading hub with a well-developed logistics network that facilitates the import and export of copper scrap, and clear policies promoting recycling and reducing waste. In July 2025, the UAE introduced new initiatives to enhance its circular economy framework with an emphasis on scrap metal recycling. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment issued revised industrial waste management regulations mandating manufacturers and contractors to use certified recycling channels.

In Israel, Polaris points to a growing electronics and high-tech manufacturing sector that creates a steady supply of scrap, alongside government efforts, including initiatives by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, to improve recycling rates and make material separation easier.

Key Companies

Polaris describes a competitive landscape of local trading companies, large-scale processors and international firms, where quick and reliable supply chains are a key factor for industry expansion. Polaris lists H A Z Scrap Trading LLC, Lucky Recycling, PGI Group, Planet Green Recycling LLC, Sharif Metals Group and WaterLink Corp among the key companies. For B2B stakeholders, the report suggests that processors, traders and manufacturers may find opportunity where policy support, industrial diversification and demand for higher-grade material meet.

Conclusion

The Middle East Copper Scrap Market is positioned to benefit from growing demand for recycled metals across construction, electrical equipment, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. Copper scrap provides an important secondary raw material that can help reduce dependence on newly mined copper. Increasing emphasis on resource efficiency and circular economy practices may encourage recycling and recovery activities. Investments in collection networks, sorting technologies, and processing facilities could improve regional supply capabilities. However, scrap availability, price volatility, quality consistency, and cross-border trade regulations may affect market performance. Future growth will depend on efficient recycling infrastructure, transparent trading practices, and sustained demand from copper-consuming industries.

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