EU aluminium scrap exports gain 3.8% in January-May

EU aluminium scrap exports continued to increase through the first five months of 2026 following record highs in 2025 (1.27 million metric tons). 

EU exports of aluminium scrap to non-EU destinations totalled 567 thousand tonnes (kt) between January and May this year, up from 546kt in the same period last year. This growth was driven primarily by increased shipments to India, China, Hong Kong, and Turkey. 

India retained its position as the leading destination for EU scrap, receiving 170.3kt during the first five months of 2026, a rise from 155.5kt over the same period in 2025. In May alone, shipments to India reached 35kt. While this was down from 40kt in April, it marked an increase compared to the 30kt shipped in May 2025, consolidating India's dominance as the primary export market.

China ranked third overall, absorbing 59kt year-to-date, which represents an 11.1% increase. Meanwhile, Hong Kong recorded a 14.5% rise, reaching 48.6kt.

Shipments to Turkey surged from 34.7kt to 40.6kt over the five-month period. Notably, May export volumes to Turkey jumped from 5kt in 2025 to 8kt this year.

In contrast, Thailand and Pakistan remained broadly flat at 68.9kt and 41.8kt, marginally below 2025 levels.