China explores setting up a national resources recycling group

China will back the formation of a national resources recycling group to enhance recycling across industries, Reuters reports. The country is looking to increase its recycling rate to reduce its reliance on raw materials imports and will work with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to develop new frameworks for trade-in and recycling. China’s current rate of re-using commodity solid waste is at 59%, NDRC head Zhao Chenxin said. Industry sources had previously hinted at alleged plans to create a state-run company in charge of recycling in the steel, base metals, plastics, and chemicals industries. No further details have been disclosed.

Crackdown in India: Indian solar industry lobby group Solar Ancillary Manufacturers Association is urging the Indian government to implement safeguards against cheap Chinese and Vietnamese imports, Director Pradeep Kumar Kheruka told Bloomberg. 60% of solar glass demand is met with imports, and India should support investment in the local industry for solar panel components, Kheruka said. A previous five-year levy imposed in 2017 helped the sector grow 17x, and a mandate for a certain amount of domestic product required in solar products and government certification would “level the playing field,” he added.