The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) has announced a strategic partnership with the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, aimed at bolstering the UK aluminium sector’s international trade and technical capabilities.
Unveiled during ALFED’s House of Lords lunch last week, the partnership marks a pivotal moment for the UK aluminium industry as it faces both emerging opportunities and critical challenges.
Attended by industry leaders, parliamentarians, and government officials, the event served as a platform to highlight the aluminium sector’s role in building sustainable, competitive, and resilient supply chains for the future.
Among the key issues discussed were the need to support the UK’s Net Zero ambitions, retain the economic value of secondary aluminium within the UK, and integrate aluminium more effectively into broader industrial and trade strategies. Special emphasis was also placed on unlocking regional growth, particularly in areas such as South Wales and the North East, where the sector has strong potential.
The partnership comes at a time when UK businesses are navigating a shifting regulatory landscape, including the rollout of the UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and a wave of new Free Trade Agreements.
ALFED and the Chartered Institute aim to equip aluminium producers, processors, and recyclers with the tools and insights needed to trade confidently on the global stage.
ALFED CEO Nadine Bloxsome said, “This partnership comes at exactly the right time for our members. As we look ahead to the practical implications of CBAM, growing digitalisation of trade procedures and the increasing scrutiny on emissions, it’s never been more important to ensure that UK aluminium businesses are confident, well-informed and globally competitive. We’re proud to be working with the Chartered Institute to provide expert support and shape the future of responsible UK trade.”
As part of this collaboration, ALFED members will gain direct access to the Chartered Institute’s policy, customs, and training specialists.
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Already, the recently published Customs Confidence guide has been shared with members through ALFED’s Trade Policy page, with more joint initiatives planned ranging from policy briefings and roundtables to in-depth training sessions.
Chartered Institute Customs Practice Director Anna Doherty added, “In today’s evolving international trade landscape, customs regulations are more complex than ever. Managing compliance, optimising costs, and avoiding penalties are critical to keeping businesses competitive. We look forward to supporting ALFED’s members in their exporting and importing activities, empowering them to trade compliantly and competitively in the global marketplace.”
This partnership is open to all ALFED members and will support future trade efforts as part of ALFED’s broader strategy, including the UK Aluminium Alliance and the National Aluminium Action Plan.
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