The Ministry of Trade and Industry wishes to address recent concerns raised by the Trinidad and Tobago Scrap Iron Dealers Association regarding “foreigners taking over the scrap metal industry in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Scrap iron dealers currently operating in Trinidad and Tobago are those which previously operated under the Old Metal and Marine Stores Act and had their licences deemed under Section 39 of the Scrap Metal Act, 2022. To date, no new dealer licenses have been issued under the new Scrap Metal Act, 2022. Of the thirty-one (31) licensed scrap metal sites currently operating, only four (4) are owned by foreign nationals. These dealers have been operating in Trinidad and Tobago for several years in accordance with the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Ministry of Trinidad and Industry reiterates the importance for all scrap metal collectors to be registered in accordance with the requirements of Section 3(1) of the Scrap Metal Act, 2022 as communicated in its Public Advisory dated 25 July 2024.
Trinidad and Tobago is committed to fostering an environment that welcomes both local and foreign investment to support economic development. In addition, the Ministry of Trinidad and Industry remains committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of the scrap metal industry while ensuring fair competition and compliance with the laws and regulations. We encourage all stakeholders to collaborate responsibly to maintain the integrity and viability of the sector.
