Junkshops support ban on export of scrap steel

The Metro Manila Federation of Environmental Multi-Purpose Cooperatives (MMFEMC), an organization of 572 junkshops all over Metro Manila, expressed support yesterday for a ban on or regulation of scrap steel exports.

However, the group clarified that their support is only for the ban on the export of scrap steel, not on all other scrap metals.

Jose Teves, president of MMFEMC, said banning the export of all scrap metals would kill the livelihood of many scrap collectors. He said the MMFEMC acknowledges the need to have a thriving domestic steel and metalcasting industry.

The MMFEMC supports the Philippine Metalcasting Association, Inc. and the Philippine Steelmakers Association in their call for a ban on the export of scrap steel.

Teves pointed out that local steel and metalcasting firms have been the major buyers of scrap products. "If these companies fold up, we will have no market to go to," he said.

"Scrap exportation may not be a reliable alternative," he added.

Teves noted that exporters are the cause of artificially high prices for scrap steel. He acknowledged that members of the MMFEMC were initially misinformed that the steelmakers were calling for a ban on the export of all scrap metals.

He said the MMFEMC is making clear its position that it only supports a ban on the export of scrap steel, not on all other scrap metals.