According to Paul Voss, Director General of European Aluminium, aluminium scrap exports out of Europe have doubled since 2015 and have grown about 50% since 2020 alone.
The EU has been slow to react to the increase in exports, with other global players restricting exports of their own scrap.
The European Commission confirmed in November last year that it would put similar measures in place and is set to confirm details by the end of this quarter.
During a panel held last Wednesday (3 June 2026), Voss told convention delegates: “It needs to be proportionate, needs to make sense.
“I’ve read many times in the press that we were asking for a ban on the export of aluminium scrap from Europe. It’s fundamentally untrue. I think it would be excessive and heavy-handed and unhelpful. What we’re asking for is a targeted measure.”
He added that any regulation should include a review clause in order to adjust to its functioning in reality.
Restrictions “detrimental” to sector
Other experts, including Jessica Fung, Head of Consulting at Project Blue, warned that restrictions would be “detrimental” to the recycling sector.
She reasoned that holding costs for yards would increase and domestic scrap prices would fall.
Thierry Cochet, President of FEDEREC’s Non-Ferrous Metals Division and Commercial Director at Derichebourg Environnement in France, urged the European Commission to work with the recycling sector to identify solutions to strengthen Europe’s industrial base.
Alejandro Jaramillo, Founding Partner of Glorem in Mexico, added: “It’s very relevant that that we’re part of the discussion and that our industry is protected as well.”
Emmanuel Katrakis, Director of Public and Regulatory Affairs at Galloo of France/Belgium, noted that many recyclers believe a ban or restrictions on aluminium scrap exports “will be a medicine that won’t cure the disease”.
He added: “We appreciate the debate. It’s absolutely essential because, as we keep saying, if we fail, you fail.”
BIR Convention & Exhibition
The BIR Convention & Exhibition was held in Gothenburg, Sweden, last week from 31 May to 3 June.
The event had over 1,700 registrations from members across the metals, paper, textiles sectors and more.
The event is held twice annually, with the next one scheduled to take place in Malaga, Spain, in October 2026.
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