【SMM Aluminum Flash News】UK Industry Warns Scrap Trade Restrictions Could Weaken Circular Aluminum Supply Chain

Published: Aug 13, 2026 10:40

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UK recycled metals company Enicor has warned that protectionist measures restricting cross-border aluminum scrap flows could undermine investment and supply-chain resilience. UK aluminum demand is projected to rise from around 1.8 million tonnes currently to 8 million tonnes annually by 2035, requiring at least 3.55 million tonnes of recycled metal. Meanwhile, the UK has only one aluminum smelter and has lost around 45% of its aluminum billet production capacity and at least 30,000 tonnes of extrusion capacity over the past two years. Enicor argues that the UK should expand domestic recycling and processing capacity while maintaining access to international scrap and processing markets.

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