This book demonstrates the flow of the international trade of secondhand goods and examines the socio-economic background and mechanisms of the trade. It highlights the actors involved in the trade of secondhand goods and how traditionally secondhand good have largely been traded through social or ethnic networks in order to effectively transfer quality and market information. The development of information technology and emergence of new information platforms have changed these business models. The policies and regulations relating to the trade of secondhand goods are explored, alongside the negative impact of these trades, and the growing awareness of the circular economy. This book illustrates how importing countries as well as international institutions have developed regulations in order to balance these two issues. It will relevant to students and economists interested in development economics and economics geography.

Little is known about the volume of international recycling in Asia, the problems caused and the struggle to properly manage the trade. This pathbreaking book addresses this gap in the literature, and provides a comprehensive overview of the international trade flow of recyclable waste in Asia and related issues. The expert contributors discuss the various types of recyclable waste that Asian countries import, and illustrate that there are consequently higher numbers of cheaper informal recyclers with lower pollution control costs than formal recyclers with more expensive but environmentally sound technologies. They explore how governments across China, Vietnam, South Korea and Japan are therefore struggling to minimize the negative impact from informal recycling via trade regulation of recyclable and hazardous waste and comprehensive cooperation mechanisms to promote efficient use of resources. Preventive measures against illegal and/or improper transboundary movement of hazardous waste in Asia are also analyzed. This unique and fascinating book aims to facilitate a common understanding of the issues caused by international recycling in Asia to encourage effective international and regional cooperation in order to establish a sound recycling system. As such, it will prove an invaluable resource to academics, researchers and students with an interest in Asian studies, economics, environmental studies, international economics and industrial economics. Contributors: V. Atienza, S. Chung, M. Kojima, E. Michida, S. Sakata, S. Sasaki, T. Terao, J. Tsuruta, A. Yoshida

This book demonstrates the flow of the international trade of secondhand goods and examines the socio-economic background and mechanisms of the trade. It highlights the actors involved in the trade of secondhand goods and how traditionally secondhand good have largely been traded through social or ethnic networks in order to effectively transfer quality and market information. The development of information technology and emergence of new information platforms have changed these business models. The policies and regulations relating to the trade of secondhand goods are explored, alongside the negative impact of these trades, and the growing awareness of the circular economy. This book illustrates how importing countries as well as international institutions have developed regulations in order to balance these two issues. It will relevant to students and economists interested in development economics and economics geography.