U.S. Aluminum Industry Urges Domestic Retention of Scrap Metal

In 2024, the U.S. aluminum industry consumed about 5.6 million metric tons of aluminum scrap.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Aluminum Association has released its Scrap Export Policy White Paper for October 2025, underscoring the critical role of U.S. aluminum scrap as a strategic national asset and calling for policies to retain more recycled material within the country to strengthen economic and national security.

The report emphasizes that the U.S. aluminum industry relies heavily on recycled scrap to manufacture new products. Currently, about 85% of aluminum produced in the U.S. is secondary aluminum, derived primarily from recycled materials. In 2024, the industry consumed approximately 5.6 million metric tons of aluminum scrap, underscoring its central role in sustainable manufacturing.

The paper also highlights ongoing industry investments in domestic production capacity, noting that over $11 billion has been invested in new and expanded facilities across the United States over the past decade.

The Aluminum Association Calls for Strong Regional Trade Enforcement

Among scrap categories, Used Beverage Cans (UBCs) were cited as particularly valuable due to their ease of collection and recyclability. However, the report raises concerns over increasing exports of U.S. aluminum scrap—much of which flows to non-market economies such as China, either directly or through third-party countries.

According to the Association, China has more than doubled its aluminum scrap imports since 2020, while the U.S. exported around 2 million metric tons of scrap in 2024. The report calls for smart policy measures to retain more of this valuable resource domestically, ensuring the long-term strength, sustainability, and security of the U.S. aluminum industry.