Joe Pickard, ISRI’s chief economist and director of commodities, has been appointed to serve on the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Critical Minerals and Nonferrous Metals (ITAC-5) for the 2022–26 charter term. Pickard will serve as the representative for ISRI and the U.S. recycling industry.
The Industry Trade Advisory Committees (ITACs) are public-private partnerships jointly managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of United States Trade Representative (USTR). ITACs bring together business leaders to develop U.S. trade policy regarding their respective industries.
The ITACs provide policy and technical advice, information, and recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce and USTR on trade barriers, negotiation of trade agreements, and implementation of existing trade agreements that affect industry sectors. The Committees perform other advisory functions relevant to the U.S. as requested by the Secretary and the USTR or their designees. These efforts help the U.S. display a united front when negotiating trade agreements with other nations and in developing trade policy that benefits U.S. businesses, workers, and the economy.
“It’s an honor to represent ISRI on ITAC-5,” Pickard says. “I’ll be delighted to serve as a liaison with the recycling industry, the Commerce Department, and the USTR on nonferrous-related trade issues. 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.”
The recycling industry is a major exporter. According to Census Bureau trade data, the industry shipped more than $31 billion in products like ferrous and nonferrous metals, paper, cullet, and precious metals to countries around the world. This accounts for 50,360 of the industry’s jobs and represents over 0.5% of the nation’s exports by value, according to ISRI’s 2021 Economic Impact Study.
Pickard’s role in keeping the relevant U.S. government agencies informed of trade barriers of nonferrous metals and critical minerals benefits ISRI members by helping to maintain open markets and promote U.S. exports. It’s also consistent with ISRI’s longstanding commitment to free trade.
“Promoting the free and fair trade of all sustainably recycled commodities, including nonferrous metals and critical minerals, is crucial for our industry,” Pickard says. “I’m looking forward to helping ISRI members convey their trade-related issues and concerns to these key government officials.”
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