UK Aluminium Scrap Exports to the U.S. Surge Following Tariff Exemption

UK Aluminium Scrap Exports to the U.S. Surge Following Tariff Exemption

UK exports of aluminium scrap to the United States have risen sharply after the material was excluded from the scope of Section 232 tariffs, according to manufacturing organisation Make UK.

Although U.S. President Donald Trump introduced a 50% tariff on aluminium imports in June last year, aluminium scrap was exempt from the measure. Make UK says this exemption has significantly increased exports of UK aluminium scrap to the U.S.

The organisation is now calling on the UK Government to strengthen the domestic recycling sector by investing in aluminium sorting and pre-processing facilities. It also recommends tighter collection and enforcement standards, along with targeted policies to retain valuable aluminium alloys within the UK for reuse by British manufacturers.

In addition, Make UK has urged the Government to engage with the European Union as a priority. If the EU introduces restrictions on aluminium scrap exports, the organisation wants the UK to secure equivalent treatment to avoid placing domestic recyclers and manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage.

The European Commission is currently developing measures to reduce the volume of aluminium scrap leaving Europe. Officials have warned that continued exports could limit the supply of recycled material needed by European metal producers, potentially affecting both recycling capacity and the region's decarbonisation objectives.

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