I know some scrap traders exporting escrap from Europe to US, but they are not keen on giving details how it works. So it is possible and - as it's done regularly - profitable.
I imagine because there is so many hoops to jump thru, or restrictions and paperwork, licenses, permits, might be why they don't want to tell all. It took them awhile and some money to get (make their contacts) there, why give the info away? They don't want you for competition.

You might check around on the internet for a country closer and less restrictive to you that you might be able to save up and ship them a small container full, might not cost as much in permits, fees. There is other places refining, not just us. If you collect enough at one time then they will (or should) talk to you. It takes time to make contacts.