According to international media reports, European Commission Vice-President for Trade Maroš Šefčovič stated on Tuesday that the European Commission plans to restrict exports of scrap aluminum from the EU to prevent the outflow of this critical metal.
The European Aluminium Association reported that in 2024, the EU exported a record 1.26 million tonnes of aluminum scrap—approximately 50% more than five years ago—with the majority shipped to Asia.
EU industry representatives noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50% import tariff on primary aluminum, compared to only a 15% tariff on scrap aluminum, has incentivized imports of scrap into the U.S. while reducing exports. This shift has driven Asian buyers to focus more heavily on EU supply sources.
The European Commission began monitoring export flows in July and indicated it would assess whether intervention is necessary.
Šefčovič revealed that the proposed measures are expected to be adopted in spring 2026 and will aim to balance the interests of producers, recyclers, and downstream industries.
The European recycling sector, which has consistently opposed export restrictions, expressed hope that recyclers will be fully involved in consultations on any new measures. It added that the Commission’s own monitoring has not uncovered evidence of a “scrap drain” and called for “a fact-based and constructive political dialogue.”
Scrap aluminum plays a vital role in decarbonization efforts. Recycling aluminum saves approximately 95% of the energy required to produce primary aluminum from bauxite ore.
