European Aluminium has welcomed the European Commission’s announcement to tackle the escalating issue of aluminium scrap leaving the EU. Speaking at the European Aluminium Summit 2025, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, confirmed that the Commission will develop a policy instrument to secure Europe’s access to aluminium scrap, a critical raw material for the circular economy, industrial decarbonisation, and strategic autonomy. Preparatory work is expected to begin before the end of the year.

Scrap aluminium plays a central role in Europe’s green transition. Recycling aluminium uses up to 95% less energy than producing primary aluminium from bauxite and reduces CO₂ emissions by around 90%, making reliable scrap access crucial for climate-neutral production. However, market pressures have created growing leakage: US Section 232 tariffs on primary aluminium doubled to 50%, while scrap was exempted, incentivising exports to the US. At the same time, strong demand from Asian markets has further drained domestic scrap availability. As a result, roughly 15% of EU recycling furnace capacity currently sits idle, threatening production continuity and discouraging investment in new recycling infrastructure.

The Commission’s forthcoming policy aims to strike a balance between maintaining open trade and ensuring European industries can access sufficient scrap at competitive prices. The goal is to strengthen Europe’s industrial resilience while supporting the EU’s climate neutrality targets and circular economy ambitions.

Paul Voss, Director General of European Aluminium, commented: “This is a decisive and timely initiative. Securing access to critical raw materials like aluminium scrap is essential for Europe’s economy, its industrial competitiveness, and its ability to achieve climate and circularity objectives.”