Aluminium Deutschland has expressed concern that America’s 25% tariff on aluminium imports does not include aluminium scrap, warning that this could have ‘fatal consequences’ for the German and European markets.
On 12th March, the Trump-Vance administration enforced 25% tariffs on imports of steel, aluminium, and products containing these metals. Various countries have responded with counter-tariffs, from Canada’s 25% taxes on key sectors to the EU’s ‘rebalancing’ countermeasures.
Now Aluminium Deutschland fears that, if aluminium scrap remains duty-free, companies based in the US will keep purchasing scrap at ‘record prices’. This is believed to lead to ‘dramatic consequences’, including shortages and sell-offs in both Germany and Europe.
“The German government must advocate export tariffs on aluminium scrap in Brussels in order to stop the uncontrolled outflow and ensure fair competitive conditions for German recycling companies,” says Rob van Gils, president of Aluminium Deutschland. “Without quick and decisive action by the EU, circular economy structures that have been created over the years will be destroyed and companies will be forced out of the market.
“Companies are already feeling the bottleneck. If we do not act immediately, the scrap shortage will worsen dramatically. This not only jeopardizes the expansion of the circular economy, but also undermines Europe’s decarbonization goals and raw material security.”
The statement comes after Germany’s production volume fell for the third year in a row in 2024; Aluminium Deutschland implores the federal government to close the loop on scrap, prevent unfair competiton from third countries, and provide more sources of electric and hydrogen energy.
Other responses to the US tariffs include spiritsEUROPE’s warning that spirits drinks have “become collateral damage” in “unrelated disputes” between the EU and US.
Similarly, Cepi encourages the European Commission to continue negotiations with America; it suggests that tariffs on pulp, paper, and board imports from the US may be necessary, but asks the EU to exclude products that risk being in short supply from the EU retaliation list.
Meanwhile, Smurfit Westrock CEO Tony Smurfit has branded the tariffs “economic suicide for America” – noting their impacts on the company’s Canadian mill and its trade between America and Mexico. He also emphasized that Taoiseach Micheál Martin has a responsibility to “protect” both Irish businesses operating in America, and American businesses operating in Ireland, in his discussions with US President Donald Trump.
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