EU Aluminium Scrap Export Restrictions Signal Global Market Shift

The European Union has announced plans to restrict aluminium scrap exports, signaling a major shift in global scrap markets.
Rising demand for recycled aluminium and sustainability pressures have outpaced available supply.
Export volumes to Asia, particularly India, reached 1.26 million tonnes in 2024, a 10% annual growth since 2020.

The EU move responds to a scarcity that industry leaders call “genuinely desperate.”
European Aluminium director general Paul Voss warns that the industry has never faced such urgent supply concerns.
Meanwhile, Asia and Africa have already implemented export duties or bans on aluminium scrap, including China, UAE, and South Africa.

EU aluminium scrap export restrictions tighten domestic supply

The EU’s planned restrictions aim to preserve scrap for local industries.
Advanced sorting technologies have reduced the portion of scrap that European consumers cannot process.
As a result, fewer exports are needed, strengthening Europe’s domestic supply chain.

India and the US are also evaluating restrictions to secure local aluminium supply.
Rising downstream demand for sustainable products increases pressure on global scrap markets.
This trend reflects a wider shift toward treating scrap as a strategic commodity rather than waste.

Global implications of aluminium scrap protectionism

Scrap markets are likely to remain tight in 2026 due to protectionist measures worldwide.
Export restrictions in one region often prompt similar policies elsewhere.
As nations prioritize domestic supply, aluminium prices could rise, benefiting local recyclers and producers.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The EU’s aluminium scrap export restrictions highlight a turning point in global metal markets.
Scrap is no longer a byproduct but a critical commodity for sustainable manufacturing.
Investors and producers must monitor policy developments closely, as protectionism will shape pricing and supply chains in the years ahead.