How much aluminum scrap does the U.S. consume and export?

The U.S. consumes 5–6 million metric tons of aluminum scrap annually and exports over 2 million metric tons, relying on domestic and imported primary aluminum, with about two-thirds of imports coming from Canada.

What specific measures does the Association recommend?

It recommends an immediate ban on UBC exports outside North America, updates to USHTS codes, improved scrap tracking, and increased investment in technology for efficient scrap collection and sorting.

Aluminum Association Advocates Export Restrictions on Strategic Scrap Metal

Aluminum | 2025-10-15 11:55:39

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

By Paul Ploumis

Aluminum Association Advocates Export Restrictions on Strategic Scrap Metal

Summary

Domestic Retention: Aluminum Association urges federal action to keep more scrap in the U.S. and restrict strategic scrap exports.
Scrap Flows: The U.S. consumes 5–6M tonnes of scrap annually, exporting over 2M tonnes, relying partly on imports from Canada.
Key Measures: Calls for a UBC export ban, better scrap tracking, and investment in collection and sorting, focusing on high-quality scrap.

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.

POLL

How do you think a U.S. ban on scrap metal exports will impact the industry?

Positive Impact – Strengthens domestic manufacturing and supply chains.

Neutral Impact – Limited effect on prices or production.

Negative Impact – Could disrupt international trade and raise costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much aluminum scrap does the U.S. consume and export?
The U.S. consumes 5–6 million metric tons of aluminum scrap annually and exports over 2 million metric tons, relying on domestic and imported primary aluminum, with about two-thirds of imports coming from Canada.
What specific measures does the Association recommend?
It recommends an immediate ban on UBC exports outside North America, updates to USHTS codes, improved scrap tracking, and increased investment in technology for efficient scrap collection and sorting.
Which scrap streams should export restrictions target?
The Association emphasizes that restrictions should focus on high-quality scrap, such as UBCs, rather than lower-grade scrap like Zorba and Twitch.