European Union to impose 15% export duty on aluminium scrap to curb outflows

The European Commission is set to re‑open its scrap aluminium file after the summer and plans to present a final proposal on 9 September 2026 for an export duty on secondary aluminium. The duty, negotiated down from the 30 % originally sought by industry groups, is expected to be set at 15 %.

The measure aims to stem the flow of about 1.2 million tonnes of EU‑collected scrap – roughly 15‑20 % of the total collection – which currently sees around 70‑75 % shipped to Asian markets, with India as the leading importer. EU aluminium producers argue the duty is essential for safeguarding supply chains, maintaining competitiveness and supporting the circular‑economy targets of the bloc.

Greek firms such as ElvalHalcor and Metlen have highlighted the policy’s importance for national competitiveness, noting that Europe produces 7‑8 million tonnes of scrap annually and recovers about 81 % of it, yet still exports up to 1.4 million tonnes each year. The duty is part of a broader EU strategy to reduce dependence on third‑country sources for critical secondary raw materials.