Ferrous scrap exports from the EU rose from 9.14 million tons in 2015 to 18.92 million tons in 2023, while aluminum scrap exports reached 1.2 million tons in 2023 and are expected to exceed 1.3 million tons by the end of 2024. The associations attribute this trend to higher prices offered by third countries, often subsidized, which are rapidly expanding their recycling capacity.
EUROFER and European Aluminium emphasized that boosting domestic recycling is vital for decarbonization and achieving the EU’s circular economy goals, with recycling saving up to 95% and 80% of the energy required for primary aluminum and steel production. They proposed stricter export regulations through mechanisms like the EU’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation and the Critical Raw Materials Act.
However, the EuRIC Association warned against restricting scrap exports, arguing that open trade supports recyclers and sustains Europe’s green transition. The group called for policies that balance economic growth with sustainability, citing rising EU scrap consumption, which grew by 8.8% year-on-year in the first half of 2024.
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