[SMM Aluminum Flash News] UK Aluminum Recycling Faces Pressure, Calls Grow for Policy Support

Published: Apr 22, 2026 10:26

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A UK survey of around 2,000 people shows strong support for government action to boost aluminum recycling, with about 58% concerned that too much aluminum is not reused domestically. Trade tensions, US tariffs and Asian subsidies have weakened UK recyclers’ competitiveness, leading to more scrap exports instead of local processing. In contrast, the EU has introduced measures to limit secondary aluminum exports, while the UK has yet to follow. Industry participants warn this trend reduces returns on domestic recycling investments and calls for policies such as deposit return schemes to increase recycling rates and strengthen circularity.

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