Introduction

Southeast Asia has become a critical node in the global scrap metal supply chain. Countries in the region simultaneously export processed scrap metal to steel mills in China, India, South Korea, and Turkey, while also importing raw scrap from the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

But this flow is increasingly regulated. New environmental standards, export bans on unprocessed metal waste, and tightened customs enforcement have changed the rules of the game.

Whether you are a scrap dealer looking to export processed metal or an international buyer sourcing from Southeast Asia, understanding these policies is essential to avoid shipment seizures, fines, or supply chain disruptions.

Key Regulatory Framework by Country

Vietnam

Vietnam is Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing scrap metal exporter. In 2024, Vietnam exported over 3.2 million tons of ferrous scrap — primarily to China and South Korea.

Key rules:

Export must be in processed, classified form (e.g., shredded, baled, or pig iron) — raw scrap in unsorted form is prohibited for export Quality standards follow TCVN (Vietnam National Standards) for metal composition Exporters must obtain an environmental impact assessment (EIA) certificate Anti-dumping duties may apply for certain scrap grades from specific origins

Key opportunity: Vietnam’s proximity to Chinese steel mills via land border crossings (Mong Cai, Lao Cai) makes it a prime hub for processed scrap exports.