BIR Warns EU Aluminium Scrap Export Curbs Could Disrupt Markets

The organisation further warned that turning recyclable materials into financial liabilities could increase the risk of unmanaged waste streams.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has formally submitted its stance to the European Commission regarding possible trade measures targeting aluminium scrap exports, cautioning that such restrictions could disrupt the recycling supply chain and harm Europe’s circular economy goals.

BIR expressed strong support for Recycling Europe and European recyclers, stressing that the industry remains aligned with the European Union’s sustainability and decarbonisation targets. However, the organisation argued that proposed export restrictions are unnecessary and could trigger unintended economic and environmental consequences across the aluminium value chain.

BIR Raises Alarm over EU Plan for New Controls on Recycled Aluminum Exports

According to BIR, monitoring data from the Commission does not indicate structural scrap leakage within the EU. Instead, current export volumes reflect surplus aluminium scrap that European smelters cannot efficiently process due to technical or economic limitations. The association warned that limiting exports could destabilise global scrap markets, reduce recycled metal prices, and threaten the financial sustainability of recycling operations.

BIR also cautioned that lower profitability could weaken scrap collection systems and discourage recycling investment required to meet EU climate and recycling targets. The organisation further warned that turning recyclable materials into financial liabilities could increase the risk of unmanaged waste streams.