Relief over withdrawal of EU export restrictions on aluminium scrap

Metal recyclers in Europe have reacted with relief to the European Commission’s decision to drop plans to drastically restrict the export of aluminium scrap from the EU.    

‘We welcome the European Commission’s decision to step back from the proposed trade measure,’ says Recycling Europe. ‘It provides an opportunity for a constructive discussion on how to strengthen the competitiveness of the entire European aluminium value chain.’

Lost in restriction

The recycling industry body is happy to see that the Commission has taken into account the new realities that will be determining the flow of recycled materials. From 2027, the Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) will change the conditions governing waste exports, by including new audit requirements and restrictions on exports to non-OECD countries. In parallel, new CN codes for aluminium scrap will provide more granular and reliable information on trade flows.

‘Introducing additional restrictions before the impact of these changes can be assessed would therefore have been premature,’ Recycling Europe argues.

Shifting the problem

According to Julia Ettinger, secretary general of Recycling Europe, Europe cannot strengthen its strategic autonomy by weakening its recycling industry.

‘Recycling gives Europe access to materials already within its own economy, reducing its reliance on virgin resources and external supply,’ she says. ‘Restricting exports will not solve the high energy and labour costs, regulatory burdens or weak demand facing European aluminium manufacturing. It would simply shift the problem from one part of Europe’s industrial value chain to another.’

Competitive recycling

Recycling Europe therefore calls for continued dialogue across the aluminium value chain and for any future measures to be based on the impact of the new WSR, improved trade data and clear evidence of market conditions. ‘A resilient European aluminium value chain requires competitive recycling and competitive manufacturing. European policy must strengthen both.’