EU Plans 15% Tax on Aluminium Scrap Exports

Key Facts

In a move aimed at protecting the European aluminium industry, the European Union plans to impose a 15% tax on aluminium scrap exports, according to a Financial Times report. The measure targets preventing the leakage of this valuable metal to US and Asian markets and retaining critical raw materials for domestic producers. The tax has not yet been adopted and is expected to undergo consultations before implementation.

The plan comes at a time of tight global aluminium supply, with countries like China and the US increasing scrap imports to feed their domestic industries. According to market data, aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange traded around $2,520 per tonne (close June 25, 2026), supported by strong demand and supply constraints. Analysts note that the tax could keep more scrap within Europe, reducing the surplus available to overseas markets and raising input costs for non-European smelters.

Traders will focus on implementation details and potential exemptions, which could significantly affect trade flows. No major economic events directly related to this issue appear in the European calendar for the coming days, but clarifications from the European Commission are expected in the coming weeks. Over the longer term, this decision could reshape the global scrap trade map in favor of European producers.