European Recyclers Warn EU Against Aluminium Scrap Export Restrictions

European recycling associations and companies have urged the European Commission to reconsider any potential export restrictions on recycled aluminium, warning that such measures could damage Europe’s recycling sector, weaken circular economy goals and disrupt the broader aluminium value chain.

In a joint letter addressed to Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, the industry groups argued that proposals to limit exports of recycled aluminium scrap are based on “flawed assumptions” about material shortages within Europe.

The signatories said Europe’s recycling industry already supplies significant volumes of high-quality recycled aluminium, often exceeding domestic demand while contributing positively to the EU’s trade balance. They stressed that recyclers remain a critical part of Europe’s industrial ecosystem, supporting circularity, resource efficiency and low-carbon manufacturing.

The letter comes as the EU evaluates measures aimed at strengthening industrial competitiveness and securing access to strategic raw materials amid growing geopolitical and supply chain pressures.

According to the recyclers, export restrictions could create severe unintended consequences for the sector, including reduced recycling operations, delayed investments and lower collection and processing rates for recyclable materials across Europe.

The groups also warned that recyclers are facing many of the same pressures confronting primary aluminium producers, including rising energy costs, strict environmental regulations and intensifying international competition.

Industry representatives argued that the current debate has moved forward without sufficient consultation with recyclers or adequate assessment of actual market conditions. They said any major trade intervention should be based on clear evidence of structural shortages rather than temporary market volatility.

The letter further noted that recent disruptions to aluminium supply in the Gulf region have pushed prices higher globally, encouraging European exports of aluminium products to Asia while domestic demand in Europe remains weak due to slower industrial activity.

The co-signatories cautioned that restrictions on recycled aluminium exports could ultimately undermine the EU’s own industrial and sustainability objectives by weakening recycling infrastructure and limiting investment in circular material systems.

Instead of imposing export controls, the organisations called on the European Commission to work more closely with recyclers to develop what they described as “balanced trade measures” capable of strengthening the entire European aluminium sector without harming recycling capacity.

The recycling groups said they remain prepared to engage constructively with policymakers to support a competitive and sustainable aluminium industry across Europe.

Source: Recycling Europe

SUNSHINE Spotlight: European recyclers are pushing back against potential EU aluminium scrap export restrictions, warning the measures could disrupt recycling investment, weaken circularity goals and destabilize the broader aluminium supply chain.