US aluminum industry seeks export curbs on some scrap material

The US Aluminum Association called for restrictions on some scrap metal in an effort to bolster a domestic supply.

In a white paper released Tuesday, the industry group said it’s seeking an immediate ban on exports of used beverage containers outside North America, along with potential controls over time on other types of “mill-ready” scrap. It also wants improved tracking mechanisms to better monitor the flow of aluminum scrap and enforce restrictions.

The call for restrictions mimics those from the copper industry earlier this year, which sought to restrict exports of copper ore and scrap metal.

US scrap exports have increased in recent years, and often end up in countries like China before becoming new products that compete with US-made goods, according the paper. The group said export restrictions can help US-based manufacturers bolster their reliance on domestic material to make products ranging from beverage cans to consumer electronics.

The request comes as President Donald Trump maintains a 50% tariff on aluminum imports, roiling North America’s highly integrated metals market while pushing prices well above global benchmarks.

(By Jacob Lorinc)