Japan’s metal recycling market reached US$15.57 billion in 2025 and is expected to expand to US$22.03 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 3.79% from 2026 to 2034.
Japan’s metal recycling market reportedly reached approximately US$15.57 billion in 2025 and is projected to expand to approximately US$22.03 billion by 2034. The CAGR from 2026 to 2034 is expected to be 3.79%.
Reported growth drivers include rising demand for steel, copper and aluminum recycling, tighter regulations promoting the circular economy, and growing corporate interest in sustainability. Given Japan’s limited natural resources, the stability of metal-recycling infrastructure and the economics of procuring secondary metals are considered important.
The report points to recycling demand for copper wiring and aluminum components associated with the automotive industry’s shift to EVs, new opportunities to supply materials from end-of-life vehicles, and increased supplies of steel scrap from the demolition of aging buildings as factors supporting market growth. It also highlights export opportunities for Japanese recycled metals arising from growing demand in Asian markets.
The report cites trends including AI-enabled scrap-sorting technology, the expansion of advanced recycling facilities, and efforts to strengthen metal supply chains in the circular economy. It reportedly also includes detailed profiles of selected companies and a competitive analysis.