BIR advocates for transparent, data-driven policy in EU’s upcoming aluminium export framework
The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) expresses concern regarding the announcement made last week by European Commission Executive Vice-President for Trade, Maroš Šefčovič, on the launch of preparatory work on a new trade measure targeting recycled aluminium exports from the European Union, with a formal proposal expected in spring 2026.
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According to the Commission, the measure aims to “address the issue of aluminium scrap leakage” and secure access for European industry to this strategically important material at competitive prices. However, data from the Commission’s own monitoring mechanism on imports and exports of recycled materials shows no evidence supporting claims of “scrap leakage.” Available figures do not support this narrative, which may create a misleading basis for future policy decisions.
BIR welcomes the clear recognition of recycled aluminium as a strategic material essential to Europe’s circular economy and decarbonisation goals. At the same time, we stress that the global recycling industry is a vital contributor to the availability of this key raw material, and that its functioning relies on open, predictable and fair access to international markets.
BIR strongly recommends that any new trade measure should be:
- Evidence-based, reflecting actual market conditions rather than assumptions;
- Proportionate, avoiding unintended consequences for downstream users and recycling operators;
- Balanced, taking into account the interests of all actors in the value chain;
- Globally coherent, ensuring that the EU does not undermine international recycling flows that depend on Europe’s surplus of high-quality recycled materials.
Get detailed insights from our exclusive report: World Recycled ALuminium Market Analysis Industry forecast to 2032
Note: This article has been issued by Bureau of International Recycling and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data
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