UK’s aluminium cans import to rise YoY in 2019, unlike export; Czech Republic to be the top source

Besides exporting, the United Kingdom imports a considerable amount of aluminium cans from several European countries and even outside. The global export-import data reveals that the country’s import volume of aluminium cans has been rising year over year since 2016. It also shows that this year is most likely not going to show any exception.

The Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation observes the recycling rate of aluminium drinks cans in the UK has been rising every year. While in 2016, the recycling rate was at 70 per cent; in 2017 it was at 72 per cent. This perhaps indicates the rising use of aluminium cans in the UK and the reason behind its growing imports.

In 2019, the United Kingdom is expected to import around 39,505 tonnes, up 5 per cent from 37,759 tonnes in 2018. In 2016 and 2017, the country’s import volume was at 12,745 tonnes and 27,615 tonnes, which represents a year-on-year growth. In 2017, the amount of import grew 117 per cent from the last year while in 2018 increased 37 per cent YoY.

The Czech Republic is likely to be the United Kingdom’s leading source of aluminium cans import, providing 23 per cent of the country’s total import. Germany is estimated to be the next, supplying 21 per cent of the total, followed by South Africa and Turkey 13 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively.

But as far as the United Kingdom’s aluminium cans export is concerned, it is estimated to log in at 45,259 tonnes this year, down 33 per cent from 67,136 tonnes.

In tandem with the growth in import amount, the cost is also estimated to climb this year from US$104 million in 2018 to US$117 million, up 13 per cent. In 2017 also, the import cost was at US$117 million, meaning the UK’s import cost dropped in 2018 despite a rise in volume. In 2016, the United Kingdom’s import was valued at US$59 million, representing a growth of 98 per cent in the country's 2017 aluminium cans import cost.