The scrap metal recycler could benefit from the construction boom and sand woes, as more builders turn to the metal as an alternative building material. Singapore builders have been hit by sand and granite price increases following Indonesia's sand ban. The Building and Construction Authority has been encouraging more extensive use of steel.

Trading in structural steel and other steel products currently accounts for about 20% of the group's total revenue and Union Steel hopes to tap the construction boom by growing this trading arm. Despite the growing demand for structural steel, Union Steel said that although it is eager to increase its supply, its focus is still on its main business of recycling because it sees that the emphasis on recycling, due to factors such as the sand ban, will grow.