United States imposes tariffs on primary aluminium, but scrap is saved: a key opportunity for Europe and the global market

Trade tensions between the United States and its major aluminium suppliers have once again made headlines in the metals sector. Following new protectionist measures recently announced by the US government, tariffs of up to 25 per cent will be imposed on aluminium imported from China, Russia and Iran. These measures, designed to protect US industry, could have a significant impact on international supply chains, especially in Europe.

A new world pattern for metals

This new tariff package has a domino effect on international trade. The sanctions not only affect primary aluminium producers in the above-mentioned countries, but they also create distortions in global metal scrap flows, indirectly affecting markets such as copper and other industrial materials.

The measure is seen as part of a broader US reindustrialization strategy in strategic sectors such as automotive and construction, where aluminum is a key commodity. However, as a side effect, it is straining the European market, which has traditionally been an important supplier of scrap to other regions.

Scrap: excluded from tariffs, but in the centre of the scene

One of the highlights of this policy is that aluminium scrap has been excluded from the new tariffs. This means that the recycled material can continue to be exported to the U.S. without paying the additional costs now being incurred for primary aluminium. This distinction is fundamental, and we at ScrapAd consider it a clear sign of how scrap is consolidating not only as an ecological alternative, but also as a strategic route for international trade.

As virgin aluminium becomes more expensive and less accessible to US industries, scrap is gaining ground as an efficient and barrier-free solution in both economic and regulatory terms. This is leading to a growing demand for scrap in the US, which could in turn generate more export pressure from Europe.

Risk or opportunity for Europe?

According to the article published by Investing.com, several analysts warn that this situation may result in a shortage of scrap within the European market, due to the increase in shipments to the US seeking better prices and trading conditions. As a result, some European industries may face greater difficulties in accessing local raw materials.

However, at ScrapAd we believe that this context, far from being just a risk, also represents a clear opportunity to redefine how the scrap trade is managed in Europe and the rest of the world. In a volatile environment where trade tensions and regulations change rapidly, having access to a digital, transparent and efficient marketplace becomes essential.

A new role for scrap

Tariffs on primary aluminium are not good news for free trade or global markets. But they also demonstrate, once again, that the resilience and flexibility of recycling are key to addressing international crises.

Barrier-free scrap is emerging as an essential component of the modern industrial chain. And for those who know how to read market signals, the time to act is now. Organizing, digitizing and ensuring access to recycled raw material is a priority for any company that wants to remain competitive.

At ScrapAd we are ready to help you navigate this new reality. Scrap is not just the future: it’s already the present.

Do you have doubts? We are here to help

Are you ready to be part of the global recycling growth?

👉 Contact us and find out how digitization can help you take advantage of these opportunities.

Buy and sell metal waste on ScrapAd

If you are a waste broker and dealer, register for free on ScrapAd. We simplify the buying and selling of scrap, multiplying your profits.