[SMM Aluminum Flash News] Rising UK Aluminium Scrap Exports Raise Concerns Over Domestic Supply Security

Published: Jun 19, 2026 14:35

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Britain’s growing aluminium scrap exports are raising concerns about the long-term availability of a critical raw material for domestic industries. According to Make UK, aluminium scrap exports reached 624,314 tonnes in 2025, up 43% from 2016 levels, while shipments to India increased 94% to nearly 199,000 tonnes. Exports to the US surged 989% year-on-year to 23,560 tonnes after aluminium scrap was excluded from Section 232 tariff measures. Make UK estimates the UK could require up to 6 million tonnes of recyclable aluminium scrap to support total aluminium demand of 8 million tonnes by 2035. The organisation warned that continued scrap outflows could weaken domestic manufacturing, discourage investment and reduce supply chain resilience. It called for greater investment in scrap collection, sorting and processing infrastructure, improved recycling standards and measures to retain critical aluminium alloys within the UK’s circular economy.

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