EU aluminium scrap export curbs worry recyclers, Commission receives joint letter

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European recycling companies and associations, coordinated by Recycling Europe, have asked the European Commission to review export restrictions on recycled aluminium scrap. Addressing the Executive Vice President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in a joint letter on May 28, they expressed concerns regarding measures being built upon defective bases that might nullify the industrial objectives being promoted.  

Arguing that the region is not facing a structural shortage of recyclable material as claimed by policymakers, signatories stated that Europe’s recycling industry already generates high-quality secondary aluminium that frequently exceeds domestic demand while contributing positively to the EU’s trade balance. Although recyclers acknowledge the wider pressures affecting the industry, like rising operating costs and intensifying international competition, they warned against measures that support one segment of the value chain at the expense of another, thereby forming a disproportionate scenario. 

Delve deeper into the recycled aluminium and secondary aluminium market with our World Recycled ALuminium Market Analysis Industry forecast to 2032

The groups cautioned that introducing export restrictions without sufficient market evidence or broader consultation could weaken recycling operations, delay future investments and leave substantial volumes of recyclable material uncollected or untreated. According to the coalition, such consequences would run counter to the EU’s circular economy ambitions and could also threaten employment across the recycling sector.

Moreover, the associations noted that the reasoning behind limiting recycled aluminium scrap exports could eventually be extended to products such as aluminium ingots and billets. Citing the example of supply disruptions in the Gulf region spurred by the Middle East conflict, they pointed out how global market volatility continues to complicate supply-demand dynamics. They cited the

Calling for a more balanced policy approach, the recyclers urged the European Commission to engage more closely with industry stakeholders in shaping future trade measures and expressed willingness to participate in further discussions.

Explore the position of aluminium at the intersection of sustainability and strategy in Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment