Mitilineos criticizes EU Commission over aluminum scrap export policy

Evangelos Mitilineos, Executive President of Metlen, has criticized the European Commission for allegedly abandoning its commitment to prevent the mass outflow of aluminum scrap from the European Union.

Mitilineos stated that the Commission is driving secondary aluminum smelters into despair by replacing a previous pledge to implement targeted measures by the second quarter of 2026 with indefinite discussions and uncertain legal frameworks. He warned that this lack of action deprives European industry of the raw materials essential for decarbonization, strategic autonomy, and industrial competitiveness.

Data shows that EU aluminum scrap exports reached a record 1.27 million tonnes in 2025, a 50% increase compared to 2019. Notably, exports to the United States surged by 243% in 2025 compared to the previous year. While the EU engages in consultations, other trading partners are implementing export duties and restrictions to secure scrap for their own domestic industries.