The import of waste or scrap containing gold as the sole precious metal to the US is forecasted to decline significantly from 2024 to 2028. In 2023, the import value stood at approximately $198 million. From 2024 to 2025, there is an anticipated decrease of 17.8%, followed by a 21.6% drop from 2025 to 2026. The largest year-on-year decrease is expected from 2026 to 2027 at 26.2%, and a further 34.8% reduction is predicted from 2027 to 2028. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over this period projects an average annual decline of 20.8%.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential shifts in global recycling policies and their impact on waste imports.
Technological advancements in metal recovery processes and their influence on domestic capabilities.
Economic factors affecting the demand for recycled gold.
Changes in international trade agreements or tariffs.