In light of the rapidly shifting landscape for global trade, it’s imperative to recognize the critical but often overlooked backbone of the country’s infrastructure and its dependence upon market access: the recycled materials industry.

Each year, 30% of domestically recycled materials are exported, directly supporting 50,000 American jobs. U.S. exports are crucial to the American economy as they reduce America’s trade deficit and ensure continued domestic operations, which spur greater investments in U.S. innovations, operations and workers.

Without access to these global markets, U.S. recyclers could not source and supply raw materials relied upon in domestic manufacturing, putting the national supply chain at risk and affecting everything from energy infrastructure to consumer goods.

The recycled materials industry contributed $170 billion to the economy, directly and indirectly supported nearly 600,000 jobs, according to a report by the Recycled Materials Association. Those numbers will continue to grow, but only with trade policies that support market access abroad.

Some trade trends are troubling. For example, several European governments indicated in February that they may end the export of their recycled steel, which would have a cascading effect globally and damage the U.S. recycled materials industry and other industries. It would also undermine the European Union’s climate objectives.

The materials provided by recyclers worldwide are the first link in global manufacturing supply chains, which is why recent efforts by several EU states to restrict exports of recycled steel pose a significant threat to recyclers and manufacturers that rely on recyclable commodities to fulfill more than 40% of the global raw material needs.

While most recyclables are consumed domestically in the United States and the EU, both economies are net exporters to global manufacturers that seek sustainable inputs. The needs of consumers worldwide drive the demand for recycled materials, and governments should not take steps to intervene in these markets.

Recycled materials play a crucial role in the nation’s infrastructure — in tunnels and train tracks, transportation and piping systems, and in ports and the ships they receive. The bulk of the structure of North American-made cargo ships is made with recycled steel. Bridges are made with recycled steel — indeed, 70% of all steel manufactured in the United States is “green steel” made from recycled material.

The recycled materials industry’s contributions to infrastructure are ubiquitous at the residential level in any American neighborhood. The sidewalks that flank residential roadways are enhanced with recycled rubber. The drainage pipes underneath roads are crafted with recycled plastics, as is the asphalt that covers roads.

Ensuring that this core industry remains vibrant and vital hinges on providing market access for recycled materials. It is not optional; it is critical for our nation’s future and the industries and livelihoods touched by recycled materials.

Robin Wiener is the president of the Recycled Materials Association.