| Abstract: | On the basis of the data Comext from Eurostat, this paper presents 2001 data on the main exchanges (flows) intra-European Union (EU) and with the rest of the world (extra-EU), by countries (for the main countries which are concerned), tonnage and value, by categories of recovered materials and products. A synoptic table is established, the results are summarized, and initial comments are provided. Moreover the evolution from 1995 to 2001 is discussed.The second part of the paper examines what these data tell us:- * whether they are consistent with the main theories of international trade, and which factors explain these exchanges,
- * what is the extent of foreign trade of recovered products and materials,
- * to what extent the EU appears as ‘an economic entity’,
- * and possible effects of the enlargement of the EU.
Keywords: International trade; European Union; Recovery; Recycling |
