The President of Scrap Dealers Association of Liberia has vowed to setting a high ethical standard for the association. Speaking to team of media practitioners at his official office in New Georgia, the President signaled a commitment to openness and honesty in the association’s operations, decision-making processes, and interactions with members and external stakeholders.
Mr Kamara however said, to enhancing professionalism, upholding ethical standards can help to professionalize the scrap dealing industry in Liberia, which may lead to increased respect and recognition from the government, businesses, and the general public. Kamara said, the association can Improve relationships with stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to ethics.
The association may be able to build trust with suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies, ultimately leading to stronger, more sustainable relationships.
Scrap dealers Liberia continued face economic challenges like volatile market prices, high operational costs, and intense competition, often from unregulated dealers. Other difficulties include material contamination and a lack of proper waste segregation, regulatory burdens, limited access to cutting-edge technology for processing mixed and electronic waste, and the inherent complexities of managing supply chains.
Economic Challenges:
Price Volatility, Scrap metal prices can fluctuate significantly due to supply and demand, fuel costs, and global market conditions.
High Operational Costs, Dealers experience rising costs for fuel, labor, and machinery.
Competition, Unregulated scrap dealers can undermine established businesses by operating with lower costs and less adherence to standards.
Cash Flow Difficulties, Volatile prices and the timing of payments can create significant cash flow challenges.
Operational & Technological Challenges
Material Contamination, Contaminated or mixed scraps require more complex and expensive cleaning processes, which limits their value and adds to inefficiencies.
Lack of Proper Segregation, Inadequate segregation of waste by consumers and businesses makes it harder and more costly for dealers to collect and process valuable metals.
Complexities of Electronic Waste. Electronic waste (e-waste) poses unique challenges due to its diverse and complex composition, requiring specialized handling and processing.
Technological Barriers, Many scrap yards struggle to afford and implement newer, cleaner technologies needed to process advanced materials.
Regulatory & Trade Challenges
Government Restrictions, Many countries impose strict regulations, including export prohibitions, quotas, taxes, and import tariffs on scrap commodities, complicating international trade.
Compliance, Dealers face increasing compliance burdens, including paperwork and licensing requirements, which consume valuable time and resources.
Also, Market & Supply Chain Challenges, includes Misgrading and Lack of Transparency. Inconsistent grading of scrap materials and a lack of transparency in the market can lead to disputes and lost opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Supply Chain Management, Managing the complex supply chains involved in the scrap industry presents significant logistical and competitive challenges.
