[SMM Aluminum Flash News] UK Scrap Aluminium Sector Needs 25% Annual Growth to Meet Future Demand

Published: Jun 19, 2026 14:35

Save

New analysis from Make UK suggests the UK’s aluminium scrap collection and sorting sector will need to grow by around 25% annually to meet future demand outlined in the country’s Modern Industrial Strategy. The report highlighted that aluminium scrap exports have risen 84% over the past decade, reducing domestic availability of a key raw material for industries including defence, clean energy, digital technologies and automotive manufacturing. In 2024-25, UK scrap aluminium exports to the US surged from 2,000 tonnes to 24,000 tonnes after Section 232 tariffs excluded aluminium scrap, while exports to India reached approximately 200,000 tonnes. Make UK estimates total UK aluminium demand could reach 8 million tonnes by 2035, requiring around 6 million tonnes of recyclable scrap. The organisation warned that continued export growth could weaken domestic manufacturing competitiveness, investment and supply chain resilience, and called for greater investment in scrap collection, sorting and processing capacity within the UK.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

1 hour ago

Trump on Social Media: Iran Vessels Free in Strait, Threatens to End Talks if False; Rejects Housing Bill

US President Trump Donald posted on a social media platform that Iran has made clear to the US that vessels currently navigating through the Strait of Hormuz “need not pay tolls, insurance fees, nor will they face any other form of charges.” Meanwhile, Trump Donald threatened that if the information was false, the US would immediately terminate the relevant negotiations. In addition, regarding the temporary cancellation of the signing arrangement for the bill aimed at reducing housing costs and increasing housing supply, Trump Donald stated that he would not sign the bill, claiming that he knew real estate better than anyone and that an interest rate cut was the key.

1 hour ago

China's May 2026 Aluminum Foil Exports Up 4% MoM, Down 2% YoY

According to customs statistics, China's aluminum foil exports in May 2026 were 119,400 mt, up 4% MoM and down 2% YoY.

1 hour ago

China's Aluminum Exports Down 2% MoM, Up 15% YoY in May 2026

According to customs data, in May 2026, China's exports of aluminum plate/sheet and strip totaled 319,900 mt, down 2% MoM and up 15% YoY.

1 hour ago