The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has appointed Joe Pickard, chief economist and director of commodities, to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Critical Minerals and Nonferrous Metals (ITAC-5). Pickard will represent the recycling industry through the 2022 to 2026 charter term.
"It's an honour to represent ISRI on ITAC-5 and I'm delighted to serve as a liaison with the recycling industry, the Commerce Department, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on nonferrous-related trade issues," said Pickard.
ITACs are public-private partnerships jointly managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the USTR. ITACs make recommendations that assist the U.S. in displaying unity when negotiating trade agreements with other nations.
"The addition of critical minerals to this ITAC's portfolio is extremely important and timely given the administration's focus on securing the domestic supply and incentivizing the recycling of critical minerals," Pickard said.
The recycling industry is a major exporter. In 2021, 50,360 of the industry's jobs were directly supported by export activities associated with the processing and brokerage operations of recyclers operating in the U.S., according to ISRI's 2021 Economic Impact Study.
"Promoting the free and fair trade of all sustainably recycled commodities, including nonferrous metals and critical minerals, is critical for our industry," said Pickard. "I'm looking forward to helping ISRI members convey their trade-related issues and concerns to these key government officials."
