This study uses econometric time series analysis, inventory-driven price formation, dynamic material flow analysis, and life cycle assessment to model the copper supply chain's response to China's solid waste import ban and the COVID-19 pandemic. The ban increases primary refining in China, offsetting environmental benefits and increasing CO2-equivalent emissions. Increased refined copper imports to China could reverse this, decreasing emissions both in China and globally. The study also shows how these effects translate to disruption effects from the COVID-19 pandemic.

John Ryter, Xinkai Fu, Karan Bhuwalka, Richard Roth, Elsa A. Olivetti