Aluminum Association Advocates Export Restrictions on Strategic Scrap Metal

The U.S. consumes between 5 – 6 million metric tons of aluminum scrap while exporting more than 2 million metric tons.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Aluminum Association has released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for federal action to retain more aluminum scrap domestically and support America’s manufacturing base. The trade body is calling for restrictions on the export of strategic scrap metals.

The U.S. consumes 5–6 million metric tons of aluminum scrap annually while exporting over 2 million metric tons. To meet domestic demand, the country relies on both domestic and imported primary aluminum, with around two-thirds of primary aluminum imports coming from Canada.

The Association recommends an immediate ban on used beverage container (UBC) exports outside North America, along with updates to the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS) codes and improved tracking mechanisms to better monitor scrap flows. It also advocates for increased investment in technology for more efficient scrap collection and sorting, noting that scrap exports have risen significantly in recent years.

The trade body emphasized that export restrictions should focus on high-quality scrap, such as UBCs, rather than lower-grade scrap streams like Zorba and Twitch.