Global Aluminium Scrap Exports by Region in H1 2026

2 October 2026: Global aluminium scrap exports reached 6.9 million tonnes (Mt) in the first half of 2026, up 4.9% year-on-year.
North America recorded exports of 2.1Mt, a sharp 10.4% increase compared with the same period last year. The United States led the region, with exports reaching 1.2Mt in January–June 2026, up an impressive 22.9% year-on-year, supported by stronger demand from Asian markets. Canada also recorded significant growth, with exports rising 47% to 479 thousand tonnes (kt), driven by strong sales to the US market.
Trade within the European Union strengthened during the period, with exports from Germany and France increasing by 4.6% and 5.8% year-on-year, respectively, to 616kt and 303kt. In contrast, exports from the Netherlands declined by 2.9% to 207kt.
Asia faced headwinds during the first half of 2026, although overall exports of aluminium scrap edged up 1.7% year-on-year to 1.2Mt. Exports from Hong Kong increased by 20.1% to 465kt, while shipments from Thailand and Japan declined to 296kt (-25.6%) and 206kt (-0.7%), respectively.
UK exports increased by 4.6% year-on-year to 317kt in January–June 2026, supported by higher buying activity from US customers.
Exports from major South American countries also increased, with overall shipments rising 22.3% to 156kt.
In contrast, Middle Eastern exports experienced significant volatility, falling 12.3% year-on-year to just 143kt during the period, amid continued regional tensions.