In 2024, exports of recyclable raw materials, which include recyclable waste and scrap as well as other secondary raw materials (by-products), from the EU to non-EU countries amounted to 35.7 million tonnes, an 8.2% decrease compared with the previous year. 2023 was a record year for exports of recyclable raw materials as volumes reached 38.9 million tonnes, the highest in 2 decades. Although exports decreased in 2024, the amount was still 58.5% higher than in 2004 (+13.2 million tonnes).Meanwhile, imports of recyclable raw materials from non-EU countries into the EU amounted to 46.7 million tonnes in 2024, an increase of 7.0 million tonnes compared with 2023 (+17.5%). Looking back to 2004, imports rose by 7.2% (+3.1 million tonnes). (....)