[SMM Aluminum Flash News] German Aluminium Industry Remains Under Pressure, Over Half of Companies Pessimistic on 2026

Published: May 29, 2026 11:12

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Aluminum Deutschland said Germany’s aluminum industry remained under pressure in Q1 2026, with recycled aluminum production falling 3% YoY to 684,564 tones and semi-finished aluminum output declining 1% YoY to 568,688 tones. Remelter production dropped 4%, while extruded products fell 4% amid weak demand from construction and automotive sectors. At the same time, 85% of companies reported aluminum scrap shortages, while 66% described order conditions as poor. Around 57% of companies do not expect business conditions to improve by the end of 2026. The industry also warned of risks linked to high energy costs, tight scrap supply and production relocation, with some companies already implementing layoffs, capacity cuts and overseas shifts.

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