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America's Aluminium Scrap: The Aluminum Association's Proposal to Ban Exports of UBC Scrap Introduction Last week, the Aluminum Association (of America) released a white paper examining the flow of aluminium scrap of the United States, a sector that is starting to gain traction worldwide for its importance within the sectors and development goals of low carbon and circular sustainability goals, industrial competitiveness and strategic interests in national security. Aluminium serves important roles in the automotive, electricity, construction and defence sectors among many others. Scrap aluminium takes this further by being a less costly and more environmentally friendly alternative to raw aluminium production: it is highly recyclable, and reduces energy consumption up to 95% when compared to processes involved in making raw aluminium from scratch. According to the Aluminum Association, recycled aluminium scraps now account for almost 85% of U.S.-made-aluminium. Mapping America’s Aluminium Scrap Flows According to the Aluminum Association, the U.S. generated 7.6 million metric tonnes of aluminium scrap in 2024, with 76% (5.6 million tonnes) consumed locally and 24% (2 million tonnes) exported. In detail, US exports of aluminium scrap mostly reach the Asian market, with India, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and China (including Hong Kong) being the top 5 importers of US aluminium scrap (HS 7602) in 2024, accounting for 77% of total US scrap aluminium exports. On the other hand, roughly 680 thousand tonnes of aluminium scrap was imported in 2024, with Canada and Mexico accounting for up to 90% of the import quantity. Can We Keep It? The Case for America’s UBCs and Mill-Ready Scrap The Aluminium Association highlights UBCs (Used Beverage Cans) as a type of aluminium scrap that should be increasingly important in the field of aluminium recycling. In 2023, the United States produced a total of 1.4 million tonnes of UBC scrap domestically, and imported 183 thousand tonnes of UBC scrap in the same year, primarily from Mexico and Canada. As highlighted in the white paper, UBCs and mill-ready scrap are two key aluminium scrap types that are highly valuable, as they are clean, easy to recycle and have high recovery efficiency. UBCs especially, owing to their unique alloy composition and quality can undergo can-to-can recovery within a short time span of 60 days. Even though the USA produces a lot of UBC domestically, less than half of it is actually recycled, leaving a portion of downstream demand unfulfilled, which then imported UBCs and other scrap are required to fill in the gaps. Similarly, mill-ready scrap is another highly valuable aluminium scrap type, but due to definition and segregation issues in existing data, its value and potential cannot be accurately predicted or calculated in any way. Even so, mill-ready scrap as a ready-to-melt material can be easily processed into downstream products with little cost involved when compared to raw aluminium or other kinds of aluminium scrap, and it will likely bring more good than harm if individually recycled and processed. Strategic Implications: Why Export When We Need More? The Aluminium Association’s report forewarns a shortage of aluminium scrap as a resource, even when discounting export quantities from the equation. In 2025, the US has a 4 million tonne supply gap for aluminium which is being met by importing ingots and raw aluminium, and that, and that aluminium scrap can effectively help reduce the supply shortage for aluminium within the United States. This becomes more potent when the US is developing in areas that have high aluminium requirements, like the automotive, defence and packaging industries. As critical sectors and their development rely on foreign aluminium imports for their stability, this opens the US up to geopolitical and economic tensions, creating supply-side vulnerabilities for the aluminium industry. Aside from supply vulnerabilities, the Aluminium Association also raises national security and economic concerns that exporting aluminium scrap, especially to Asian economies like China, undercuts America’s industrial goals for its development. Amidst high development of China’s aluminium sector, US exports towards the Asian theatre risks growing foreign industries, leading often to unfair competition that loops back to further pressure local growth. Concerns also stem from security reasons: as aluminium serves as an essential material for defence and construction, exporting scrap weakens local industry bases and creates dependency on overseas supply chains for key industries. A New Can of Worms: Proposed Measures and the Global Aluminium Scrap Supply Chain To strengthen local industries and reduce dependency and volatility of the domestic aluminium supply chain, the Aluminum Association is proposing a plethora of measures directed at curbing the outflow of materials: Banning Used Beverage Container (UBC) scrap exports outside of North America and onshore aluminium production from overseas. Update U.S. HS Schedule and Schedule B codes to better incorporate different types of scrap, and to track trade flows in and out of the United States. Improve scrap collection and sorting methods to increase readily available raw materials to meet the present supply gap in the United States. Consider expanding export controls to mill-ready scrap, Zorba and other scrap as sorting and infrastructure improves; this can be done through methods ranging from bans to business license approaches. Increase public-private cooperation to keep export restrictions up-to-date and better existing data and reporting processes. Increase monitoring through custom checks and penalties to discourage illegal exports. If related measures go through, especially an export ban on UBCs and later controls on other aluminium scrap, this could highly disrupt the global flow of available aluminium scrap. As of 2024 data by the ITC Trade Map, the United States is the largest exporter of aluminium scrap at 2 million tonnes, valued at 4 billion USD. With UBCs being a key classification of aluminium scrap, an actual ban on UBC exports would largely reduce the available raw materials in the market, especially as UBCs are considered a high quality material. The Asian market is likely to be the most impacted, with countries and regions like India, China and Southeast Asia seeing a likely drop in total aluminium scrap imported. North American states like Canada and Mexico on the other hand, will see little to no impact, as they are key American trading partners, and the Aluminum Association has also highlighted the importance of keeping a free flow of aluminium scrap between the North American states under the USMCA trade agreement. Conclusion The Aluminum Association’s white paper brings renewed attention to the increasingly strategic nature of aluminium scrap within the United States. Beyond being an environmental solution, aluminium recycling has evolved into an industrial and geopolitical issue: one that intertwines national security, supply chain resilience, and sustainable growth. As the data highlights, the U.S. both produces and consumes a vast quantity of aluminium scrap, yet continues to export a significant portion of it abroad. This paradox exposes structural inefficiencies in local recycling systems and reveals the tension between free trade and national self-sufficiency.

【SMM Scrap Aluminium Market Analysis】 SMM Global Aluminium Scrap Markets Analysis (2) Mexico's Supply Shortage - Rising Prices and New Markets Rising Trade Volumes Amid Lack of Primary Production In recent years, Mexico’s aluminum trade volume has steadily increased. As the country lacks domestic production capacity for alumina and primary aluminum, it relies heavily on overseas imports of raw aluminum while recycling its own scrap. From 2020 to 2024, Mexico’s imports of primary aluminum rose from 648,000 tonnes to 1.141 million tonnes—a 176% increase over four years. Localization and Protectionism: Rising Demand and Scrap Prices To protect domestic industries, the Mexican government is considering a series of import tariffs over a number of sectors. Downstream aluminum sectors—particularly automobiles and motorcycles (including components)—may face tariffs of 50% and 35%, respectively. This protectionist stance could trigger a new wave of development across Mexico’s aluminum value chain, increasing demand for raw aluminum and elevating the importance of scrap recycling. Currently, the Mexican market sees frequent trading of scrap types such as Tense (shredded auto parts) and Talon (aluminum wires), favored for their high recovery rates and ease of processing. In contrast, UBC (used beverage cans) are traded less due to higher impurity levels, tedious processing and an increase in demand from the US market. SMM market research indicates that falling LME aluminum premiums, combined with rising domestic scrap demand, have pushed scrap prices closer to LME futures levels. Some manufacturers report that spot prices for certain scrap grades are now approaching 100% of LME aluminum futures prices. Downstream Producers Seek Alternatives Faced with rising costs, Mexico’s downstream aluminum processors are adjusting their raw material mix. For example, 6063 extrusion lines, which are sensitive to scrap cost and supply, are considering imported remelted ingots as substitutes. Some producers are even exploring direct use of primary aluminum or aluminum alloys to replace scrap, as the price advantage of scrap has nearly vanished and its yield and consistency are lower than primary alternatives. Despite these shifts, demand for scrap remains supported by Mexico’s industrial focus on automotive and transport sectors, which ensures a continuous demand of alloys like ADC12 and A380, which are key in making automobile parts. These alloys can be produced using medium- to low-grade domestic scrap, forming a supply-demand structure where lower-grade scrap underpins core, future industrial needs. Limited Impact from U.S. Tariff Exemptions As the U.S. has exempted scrap aluminum from its 50% tariff, concerns have emerged that Mexican scrap might flow northward due to better prices, further straining domestic supply. However, SMM research shows that exports to the U.S. mainly involve high-grade scrap and UBC, which are less commonly traded within Mexico. As a result, competitive U.S. pricing has driven up costs for high-grade scrap users in Mexico, but lower-grade scrap and secondary materials, which serve domestic firms and East Asian markets like China and South Korea, have seen minimal price or supply impact from U.S. tariffs. Looking Ahead: Middle East as a Strategic Focus Mexico’s domestic scrap supply is currently tight and expensive, placing pressure on exporters and prompting efforts to increase imports. From a logistics standpoint, trade with South Korea and China remains cost-effective, and both countries are long-standing aluminum trade partners. In contrast, India and Pakistan, despite recent market attention, face high transport costs and are not prioritized by Mexican traders. Looking forward, Mexican companies are increasingly eyeing the Middle East as a promising region—leveraging favorable policies and lower shipping costs compared to South Asia. Industry insiders believe the region holds investment potential in scrap recycling and aluminum processing, and may become a new frontier for Mexico’s aluminum supply chain expansion.

【SMM Scrap Aluminium Market Analysis】 SMM Global Aluminium Scrap Markets Analysis (1) The EU's Scrap Aluminium Scare - Export Policies and Protectionism The European Market on Scrap Metal The European Union (EU) is one of the key exporters of scrap metals such as aluminium and copper globally. Amidst the ever-changing global political and economic market, the European market has been slowly inching towards a relatively careful approach towards their exports of scrap metal, which are key materials for the development of local industries, especially towards low carbon emission goals. Ever since the American government’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium product imports in March, which were later raised to 50% in June and came with a new tariff on copper products in August, the European market has been acting defensively to prevent their already scarce recycled, raw materials from endlessly flowing into the American market. As the scrap metals were not included in the tariffs outlined in Section 232, they are included under the general tariffs of 15% for EU exports to the US. Under this circumstance, European Aluminium acted as one of the biggest voices of the EU aluminium industries, actively highlighting how the USA’s tariffs make it an unfairly favourable export destination. This might lead into, not only the EU, but the global flow of scrap metal being preferentially exported to the US, leading to a larger shortage of metal scrap when markets are already struggling to fulfill their domestic demand for scrap as a raw material, creating pressure for local businesses and industries to stay afloat. Energy Costs and Lack of Supportive Policies: A Weakened European Industry According to European Aluminium, energy costs in the EU have been rising out of hand since 2020, stemming from the COVID 19 Pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the years 2021 to 2022, Germany and France have has their average electricity costs rise tenfold, with other countries like the UK rising twofold. This is compounded with closures of nuclear reactors that were used for energy: studies showed that out of 56 reactors, EDF only has 24 of them operating as of August 2022 as a result of corrosion issues that come from the plant’s reactions. Due to the EU’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels for the production of energy, which was heavily disrupted by the Russian invasion and COVID-19, when compiled with a decrease in the availability of other energy sources such as nuclear, leads to upward pressure on the industry’s costs and the shrinking of industry profit margins. Even though rising energy costs have threatened the stability of the European aluminium and metal markets, the EU have not pushed any policies to solve this issue since 2022; on the other hand, the EU has pushed out the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a carbon import tax for 6 carbon intensive industries in the EU, which happens to include aluminium and iron/steel. Starting in 2023, the 6 industries are to report their emissions to the EU, and by 2026 the EU will make decisions whether or not to expand the scope of CBAM to other related products and downstream industries. Starting from 2026, the EU will the impose import duties that is burdened by both the importer and exporter on high carbon imported materials and products. Even though CBAM is still in its observational phase and the import duties have not been set in stone, it is already a widely discussed topic in the EU metals market, especially when it might add fuel to the fire in increasing costs for local aluminium and iron/steel industries within the EU’s borders when there has already been upward pressure from other influences such as energy. EU Exports of HS760400 Waste and Scrap of Aluminium, Q1-2 2025 SMM compiled data from various sources of the European Union’s exports of aluminium scrap, starting from 2021 and ending in the most recent sources in June 2025. According to the data, the EU has exported a total of 636,672 tonnes of HS760200 in January to June 2025, which is a 4% YoY decrease compared to the same period in 2024, which saw a total of 661,238 tonnes of aluminium scrap exports. Based on monthly data, the downward trend in export volumes in 2025 began earlier than in previous years, with a decline starting in March. However, the overall decrease was relatively moderate, and subsequent months largely followed the typical pattern of a gradual and stable decline seen in the same period of past years. EU Exports of HS760400 Waste and Scrap of Aluminium, Q3-4 2025 Estimates Among the speculations of possible policies the EU might enact at the end of the 3 rd quarter, export tariffs on scrap metals are some of the most widely discussed methods to keep metal scraps flowing within the EU market. European Aluminium and EUROFER have recently in September come together to push the EU for a 30% export tariff on scrap metals, to prevent already scarce raw materials from being exported to foreign markets, which creates pressure on local EU industries. European Aluminium Director General Paul Voss has also spoke extensively about higher energy and labour costs in Europe, leading to a decrease in competitiveness of the market when compared to emerging and strong Asian markets like China and India, creating a need for action from the EU like export tariffs and restrictions to better protect the European market from unfair competition in other regions and markets. Therefore, when forecasting export volumes for HS760200 in the second half of 2025, SMM divided the analysis into two scenarios: one assuming a 30% EU tariff and one without the tariff. This approach aimed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the panic and challenges triggered by the potential tariff, and to better understand how the projections would differ under each scenario—thus highlighting SMM’s evaluation of the possible impact of a 30% EU tariff. Without EU Scrap Metal Export Tariffs: Based on current market conditions, SMM analysis suggests that if the EU does not go through with proposed export tariffs for metal scraps in Q3 of 2025, export volumes of HS760200-coded waste aluminum are expected to increase in the second half of 2024. Specifically, due to anticipation of potential EU tariff measures, the market may experience a phase of stockpiling and advance procurement from the European market in August and September, partially offsetting the impact of falling prices in August. From September onward, as seasonal demand recovers, export volumes of waste aluminum are projected to rise to around 100,000 tonnes, reaching approximately 120,000 tonnes in October. Toward year-end, due to base effects from the same period in 2023–2024, export volumes in November and December are expected to decline moderately. SMM forecasts that total waste aluminum exports in 2025 will remain broadly in line with 2024 levels, with a slight increase possible, bringing the annual total to around 1.26 million tonnes. With EU Scrap Metal Export Tariffs: If the EU introduces an export tariff policy on scrap metals by the end of Q3, it will directly suppress the export momentum of waste aluminum under HS code 760200. Following the same forecasting logic as the no-tariff scenario, SMM anticipates that uncertainty surrounding the potential policy may trigger short-term market volatility in August and September, prompting EU exporters to release inventory in advance. This could lead to a temporary spike in waste aluminum export volumes during those two months. Should the tariff be officially implemented in October, export volumes are expected to decline significantly from that point onward and continue trending downward through December. Based on scenario modeling, SMM projects that total EU waste aluminum exports in 2025 will decline by approximately 5%–10% year-on-year compared to 2024, with the absolute volume potentially falling to around 1.16 million tonnes. Interpretation of EU’s Conservative Sentiment According to 2024 data on EU waste aluminum exports under HS code 760200, the United States did not even rank among the EU’s top ten export destinations. Specifically, of the EU’s total 1.26 million tonnes of waste aluminum exports in 2024, only 9,400 tonnes were shipped to the U.S., accounting for just 0.75%. Based on the EU’s latest cumulative data for 2025, although U.S. imports of EU waste aluminum showed a notable increase between March and May, the actual transaction volume remains insufficient to support the claims that U.S. tariffs are driving EU waste aluminum flows toward the United States. Notably, if export tariffs were implemented at this time, they could significantly suppress imports of EU waste aluminum by major Asian economies from the EU market, particularly India, Pakistan, Turkey, and China. Data shows that these four countries have maintained steady growth in imports of EU waste aluminum from 2023 through 2025. Conclusion Given Asia’s high dependence on EU waste aluminum, the EU market will be a critical area to monitor in global waste aluminum trade throughout 2025. SMM will continue to track developments in the EU market, especially regarding whether export tariffs are introduced by the end of Q3 and how the market evolves thereafter. In addition, SMM will closely monitor the implementation of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in early 2026 and continue to follow policy trends and market changes in the region.

Since July, the domestic supply of aluminium scrap has remained tight. Coupled with multiple policy adjustments in the recycled metal industry, this has led to a decline in industry activity. Some secondary aluminium processing enterprises are facing difficulties in procuring aluminium scrap raw materials and poor industry profitability. As a result, there has been a partial substitution of primary aluminium for aluminium scrap in downstream applications. Although there is significant overlap between the downstream uses of primary aluminium and aluminium scrap, there are still some differences in industry products. Currently, the main primary processing products of domestic aluminium scrap are secondary cast aluminium alloy products, secondary remelted aluminium billet products, and secondary plate/sheet, strip and foil products. So, in what aspects is primary aluminium mainly substituting aluminium scrap, and what are the underlying reasons? Ⅰ. Significant reduction in secondary remelted aluminium billet production in July-August; downstream extrusion enterprises repurchase primary aluminium billets Remelted aluminium billets, also known as non-standard billets or secondary aluminium billets, are produced mainly from aluminium scrap, with all or part of the raw material being aluminium scrap. Currently, we refer to billets with an aluminium scrap content of over 50% as remelted aluminium billets, although there is no clear industry standard. The raw materials for remelted aluminium billets are mostly old extrusion materials and off-cuts of wrought aluminium alloy scrap. The main grades of remelted aluminium billets are primarily from the 6000 series, and their downstream applications overlap significantly with primary aluminium billets in areas such as construction materials and photovoltaic materials. Since July, the operating rate of the remelted aluminium billet market has remained sluggish, with monthly production continuing to decline. According to SMM data, the production of SMM China's remelted aluminium billet sample in July decreased by 35,000 mt MoM to 139,600 mt, a drop of nearly 20%. The operating rate fell by 8 percentage points MoM to 32%. The main reasons for the decline in the operating rate of the secondary aluminium remelting billet industry are: ① Processing enterprises of remelting billets are constrained by the narrowing price difference between primary metal and scrap, leading to increased costs for purchasing aluminium scrap and poor industry profitability. ② In August, the comprehensive implementation of the "Fair Competition Review Regulations" in China resulted in some secondary aluminium processing enterprises no longer enjoying tax rebate incentives, leading to a cautious sentiment and production cuts. ③ Safety inspections in regions such as Henan led to some enterprises halting or reducing production for maintenance. ④ The operating rate of downstream construction extrusion enterprises weakened, resulting in decreased orders and production cuts. In summary, the reduction in the circulation of remelting billets, firm quotations from holders, and the loss of price advantage for secondary aluminium billets (the price of remelting billets in July was already higher than that of primary aluminium billets), coupled with the decline in aluminium prices in July and August and the rangebound fluctuation of processing fees for primary aluminium billets, provided downstream extrusion enterprises with the opportunity to reselect primary aluminium billets, stimulating the destocking of primary aluminium billets domestically. Ⅱ. Decrease in the proportion of scrap used by plate/sheet, strip, and foil enterprises; slight increase in the proportion of primary aluminium used In recent years, to respond to low-carbon and environmental protection industry development goals, the proportion of scrap used in the domestic aluminium plate/sheet, strip, and foil industry has been increasing annually. However, in July and August, due to tight supply in the aluminium scrap market and a significant narrowing of the price difference between primary metal and scrap for 1-3 series aluminium scrap, the plate/sheet, strip, and foil industry had to temporarily increase the proportion of primary aluminium used. In addition to the decrease in the proportion of scrap used, the domestic aluminium plate/sheet, strip, and foil industry was in a seasonal downturn in July and August, leading to a decline in the operating rate and a reduction in the procurement of aluminium scrap to some extent. III. Mainstream casting alloys such as ADC12 still primarily use aluminium scrap as raw material, with no substitutes available. Casting aluminium alloys mainly conform to standards such as GB (China), JIS H (Japan), DIN (Germany), and ASTM (USA). The most common secondary aluminium product is the ADC12 aluminium alloy ingot. The aluminium element in this product can almost be 100% sourced from aluminium scrap, with no restrictions on the type of scrap used. This makes it the primary downstream processing sector for domestic aluminium scrap. According to SMM data, in 2024, the secondary aluminium alloy industry in China consumed 59% of the total aluminium scrap. Due to factors such as weak end-user consumption, losses, and policy changes, the operating rate has been continuously declining since April. SMM survey statistics show that the operating rate of the secondary aluminium industry in July 2024 fell by 2.1 percentage points MoM to 40.5%. In addition to the industry's declining operating rate and reduced aluminium scrap demand, from a profitability perspective, the secondary aluminium processing enterprises experienced prolonged losses in July. According to the SMM ADC12 cost model, the cost of aluminium scrap in ADC12 accounted for 88.4% of the industry's total cost in July. Although there was a slight recovery in late August due to a rebound in aluminium prices, it was still difficult to achieve profitability using aluminium scrap. The possibility of enterprises substituting primary aluminium is almost non-existent. Moreover, the secondary aluminium alloy industry has a broad demand for various types of aluminium scrap. In July and August, the domestic aluminium tense scrap market was relatively loose, making it not difficult for enterprises to procure aluminium tense scrap. Overall, in July and August, the phase of tight aluminium scrap supply led to insufficient supply of secondary wrought alloy aluminium scrap, causing some downstream remelting billet and plate industries to repurchase primary aluminium. However, the largest downstream sector of domestic aluminium scrap, the secondary casting alloy industry such as ADC12, still primarily uses aluminium scrap. As of now, the primary aluminium market has continuously risen, with the A00 spot price recovering to a high of 19,800 yuan/mt, offsetting previous declines. The aluminium scrap market has seen increased circulation activity, and holders are more willing to sell. With the retreat of high temperatures, market recycling volume is expected to improve, alleviating the supply-demand mismatch of aluminium scrap. Downstream production reductions due to policy factors are also gradually resuming. It is expected that both supply and demand for aluminium scrap will increase in September. However, the supply of wrought alloy aluminium scrap remains tight. The price difference between A00 aluminium and aluminium extrusion scrap is expected to fluctuate rangebound, but the price difference between A00 aluminium and aluminium tense scrap may widen due to increased supply of tense scrap.

Imported aluminium scrap prices in the Indian market have held steady at supportive levels despite a slight dip in LME (London Metal Exchange) prices. The three-month LME price hovered around $2,250 per tonne, marking a marginal decrease of $15 per tonne week-on-week. Stock levels were recorded at 568,525 tonnes, down by 1.2 per cent week-on-week, which had a nominal impact on LME prices. Reports suggest that imported aluminium scrap prices have seen a modest increase of up to 0.9 per cent. Tense scrap from the UAE saw a rise of $10 per tonne, reaching $1,835 per tonne, while Zorba 95/5 from the UK remained steady at $2,040 per tonne CFR Mundra. Reason for the surge in prices The price surge can be attributed to supply constraints in scrap, fuelled by the strong demand from Asian markets. This trend has been putting pressure on profit margins for alloy producers. Moreover, ongoing challenges, such as geopolitical conflicts along shipping routes, have been influencing freight rates and causing shipment delays. These factors collectively contribute to the current dynamics of the aluminium scrap market in India. Expectations indicate a potential easing of the current crisis by mid-April. According to trade sources, freight rates have reduced by $100-200 per tonne within Southeast Asian to South Asian routes. UAE extrusion 6063 Regarding specific scrap prices, UAE extrusion 6063 scrap prices have risen by $10 per tonne to $2,180 per tonne CFR western coast India. Additionally, talk scrap from the UAE has surged by $165 per tonne to $4,655 per tonne. Shifting focus to China's silicon 553 prices, they have remained rangebound and were observed at $2,020 per tonne CFR Mundra. The bidding trends have followed mainly those of metal futures, with moderate trading activity reflecting the limited inflow of scrap materials in the domestic market. This landscape hints at the current state of the aluminium scrap market, showing fluctuations and stabilizations across various segments. Domestic market In the local aluminium market, tense scrap prices currently command premiums of up to INR 180,000 per tonne. However, according to BigMint's assessment, the price is INR 179,000 per tonne ex-Delhi. Gujarat has reported tense scrap prices at INR 177,000 per tonne for immediate payment, reflecting the current pricing dynamics in different regions of the domestic market. Source: https://www.alcircle.com/news/india-s-imported-aluminium-scrap-prices-maintain-resilience-despite-a-slight-dip-in-lme-prices-110258

Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, is eyeing to source processed aluminium scrap for its North American extrusion plants. According to a report, Hydro has signed a multi-year agreement with Sims Alumisource for the same purpose. Hydro is the largest producer of aluminium billets in North America, owning twelve recycling facilities in the United States and Canada. This recent agreement will facilitate Hydro's North American Extrusions business unit with around 36,000 tonnes of additional post-consumer aluminium scrap. Hydro and Sims Alumisource has had a long working relationship in refining and processing post-consumer aluminium scrap into furnace-ready material for extrusion billet casting. Using more post-consumer aluminium scrap for manufacturing extrusion billet will move Hydro closer to its commitment to establishing a circular economy and a sustainable future in the aluminium industry. Charlie Straface, Business Unit President for Hydro Extrusions North America, said: "Hydro is committed to reducing its environmental impact throughout the value chain, with a strong focus on producing aluminium products that have a high recycled content and lower carbon footprint. By sourcing additional high-quality post-consumer scrap for our recycling operations, we will help drive the circular economy and directly contribute to Hydro's sustainability ambitions." Sims Alumisource, part of Sims Limited's global metal recycling division, Sims Metal, deploys state-of-the-art techniques to process scrap, resulting in improved melt productivity for Hydro. "Through this agreement, Sims Alumisource is able to support Hydro in their circular and emissions reductions ambitions, while at the same time supporting the delivery of our own company purpose, create a world without waste to preserve our planet. It is also an exciting opportunity to continue expanding our presence in North America, while demonstrating how Sims Alumisource can deliver innovative solutions that meet both customer quality and sustainability requirements," says Rob Thompson, Global Chief Commercial Officer at Sims Metal. Source: https://www.alcircle.com/news/hydro-to-source-processed-aluminium-scrap-from-sims-alumisource-for-its-north-american-extrusion-unit-110234

Metales Bolueta is a non-ferrous metal business that was established in 1980. Metales Bolueta manages approximately 4000 tonnes of metal every month with the help of Steinert's flagship aluminium sorting technology at its Gatika plant. Due to increasing customer requirements, the company has made quality a primary objective, especially in the aluminium sector. At first, the founder, Julio Marín, traded in non-ferrous metals at a site that was only 200 square metres. The business was later passed on to his three sons, who have been running it. Julio Marín continues to provide advice to them. The company is located close to Bilbao, Spain and is run by a family. The CEO, Joseba Marín, a second-generation owner, illustrated: "Ten years ago, we were processing around 2000 tonnes of metal a month. We could see huge potential in the aluminium sector, but our customers needed aluminium with very high levels of purity for extruders and rolling mills. Our systems weren't able to cope; we needed to expand. That was when the idea for the plant in Gatika was born." The town of Gatika, situated around 20 km from the head office, is home to a state-of-the-art plant designed and constructed by Steinert. The company has been involved in the entire project, from its inception to the commissioning and fine-tuning of the sorting systems. The layout of the plant is expertly designed, as explained by Joseba Marín. Operational protocol in the Gatika plant: The plant has a yard where raw materials such as mixed metals and aluminium profiles are received, pre-sorted, and pre-classified. The material is then shredded and screened to achieve homogeneous particle sizes for optimal sorting. An eddy current separator enriches non-ferrous metals, and the Steinert X-ray sorting system ensures that the plant achieves the purity of aluminium concentrate that its customers require. Operators of aluminium smelters highly value Metales Bolueta's products due to their ability to be processed in the same way as primary goods. Customers consistently emphasize the superior quality of these products compared to others in the market. The Gatika aluminium separation line employs advanced equipment such as the Steinert MTE electromagnetic drum, Steinert EddyC eddy current separator, Steinert MOR neodymium magnetic separator, and Steinert XSS T EVO 5.0 X-ray sorting system. These machines work seamlessly to recover non-ferrous metals like aluminium, brass, zinc, or copper. The Steinert XSS T EVO 5.0 sorting system sorts heavy and light metals, followed by cast and wrought aluminium. The sorting of wrought aluminium is done with precision using X-ray transmission technology, ensuring an exceptionally high level of purity of up to 99.8%, meeting the needs of the market. CEO Joseba Marín stated that while there have always been sufficient materials on the market, processors have required robust sorting systems due to the inconsistent levels of input quality. This is especially true for profiles and, to a lesser extent, taint/tabor. "Thanks to Steinert technology, we are seeing that even when using a low-quality material, we can achieve a quality product that meets the requirements of our customers," he said. "We have a new project that will see the light of day at the start of 2024. This will involve us significantly increasing capacity again. This line will be the cherry on the cake for Gatika. I look forward to us continuing to grow with Steinert," Joseba Marín concluded. Metales Bolueta has been operating a plant in Gatika for the past two years. Despite its relatively short period of operation, the company has already made a name for itself as a leading supplier of high-quality recycled material across the nation. Metales Bolueta has announced plans to build a parallel sorting line in early 2024 to expand its operations further. The new line will feature another Steinert XSS T EVO 5.0 X-ray sorter and is expected to increase the company's capacity by an additional 1000 tonnes per month. This move reflects the company's commitment to growth and its focus on providing high-end services to its customers. To learn more about the recycling sector in the aluminium industry, please have a look at AL Circle's World Recycled Aluminium Market Analysis. Source: https://www.alcircle.com/news/metales-bolueta-uses-steinerts-sorting-and-recycling-technology-to-recycle-aluminium-scrap-103272

India is witnessing a surge in imported aluminium prices this week driven by several factors, including a notable increase in futures, limited availability of material, and a positive shift in demand. Across various grades of aluminium scrap, prices have risen by approximately $25-35/t w-o-w. According to BigMint's assessment, Tense scrap of Middle East (UAE) origin has experienced a $20/t increase, reaching $1,720/t. Simultaneously, scrap prices from the US have seen a $30 per tonne (t) hike, now standing at $1,790/t w-o-w. Notably, the sellers have reported that Zorba 95-5 of UK origin is currently facing challenges in the Indian market due to the Red Sea incident. As a result, Tense Scrap is gaining preference among buyers. Furthermore, an indentor shared with BigMint that the prices for Zorba 95-5 grade are mismatched, with only a few buyers bidding close to $2,000/t till last week in Chennai, whereas this week, if we normalize the bid prices, it is in the range from $1,920-1,930/t. However, BigMint's assessment stands at $1,960/t due to lower bids. Buyers have stated that India is experiencing material shortages, particularly in Tense scrap, which has led to a continuous increase in prices for both domestic and imported materials. In Chennai, buyers bid around $1,900/t CIF with a 2% attachment of Australian origin. The bid-offer dynamics for certain scrap grades exhibit inconsistencies, introducing an element of uncertainty into the market. The three-month futures for aluminium are at $2,240/t, up by $25/t w-o-w, in line with LME registered warehouse inventories, which stand at 525,250 tonnes. Talk scrap from the Middle East (UAE), and the US has seen a decrease of up to $50/t, driven by the recent decline in copper's three-month LME cash prices. Current copper LME prices hover at $8,290/t, down $90-100/t w-o-w. Moving on to China-origin silicon 553 prices, the market is almost closed during the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays, with only a few participants actively trading. As a result, there were no firm prices in the market. Silicon 553 is priced at approximately $2,030/t CIF Mundra, down $40/t. Meanwhile, sellers from the Middle East (UAE) offering Zinc diecast with 4-5 per cent attachment are quoting prices ranging from $1,920-1,930/t CIF. However, the bids are below the $1,900/t level, resulting in BigMint's assessment prices being set at $1,905/t CIF West Coast. In the domestic market, the scarcity of raw materials, particularly Tense scrap, has contributed to higher prices. Tense scrap prices are INR 170,000/t, while utensil scrap prices are INR 168,000/t ex-Delhi (excluding GST). Looking ahead, considering the current market situation, it is expected that scrap prices may increase due to shortages in the country. Source: https://www.alcircle.com/news/imported-aluminium-scrap-prices-in-india-trend-higher-on-increased-demand-and-futures-106903

Headquartered in Boston, VisionCycle has inaugurated an artificial intelligence (AI) unit to capture copper and aluminium scrap. The brand’s broad vision for sustainability can be aligned with the global call for Net Zero and reduction of carbon emissions, as this green drive can induce material circularity. VisionCycle claims to have achieved 99 per cent accuracy in copper and aluminium sorting operations. A computer-based vision valve, VisionCycle’s Vision Valve is responsible for shredding the scrap materials into a sortable particle form so that separation is simple. Comments from VisionCycle’s COO The chief operations officer (COO) of VisionCycle, Tim Crowley, commented: “Our approach utilises the advances in artificial intelligence to separate valuable particles such as copper and aluminium from waste so they can be recycled into products desperately needed for the transition from fossil fuels to climate friendly sources of energy.” “This approach offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way forward over traditional recovery methods. It will also widen margins for recyclers, making a waste-free world economically feasible,” Crowley added. Capacity of the AI recycling company Active with a modest 0.5 kilowatts of power, VisionCycle pioneers a distinctive method in processing around 120 pounds of material daily. Diverging from conventional copper recycling, the company eliminates energy-intensive steps and machinery, ushering in a more efficient approach. The strategic use of fluid guides particles through channels adorned with sensors, facilitating precise particle classification. This innovative system, termed Vision Valve, operates as a pivotal module in the process. A noteworthy departure from the norm, VisionCycle's methodology not only enhances efficiency but also slashes transportation costs by prioritising indigenous processing. AnhPhu Nguyen, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at VisionCycle, emphasises the significance of their technology, highlighting its reliance on fluid dynamics and sensor-equipped channels to optimise particle movement. “To accommodate larger volumes, a scrapyard or recycler would add additional modules, as a web host might add additional servers to accommodate data volumes,” Nguyen concluded. VisionCycle's mission statement The company’s approach showcases a commendable blend of innovation and sustainability in the recycling domain. The emphasis on localised processing and the integration of advanced technologies like fluid dynamics and sensor networks mark a promising step towards a more eco-friendly and cost-effective future in the recycling industry. If you wish to learn in detail about the recycled aluminium sector, please have a look at AL Circle's special report, World Recycled Aluminium Market Analysis. Source: https://www.alcircle.com/news/new-recycler-joins-the-groove-visioncycle-introduces-ai-sorting-for-copper-and-aluminium-scrap-107983

Aluminium scrap holds indispensable significance within manufacturing sectors worldwide, emerging as a pivotal commodity. Its allure lies not just in its economic appeal but also in its profound environmental virtues. Recycling aluminium emerges as a hero in the fight against energy depletion and environmental degradation, offering a beacon of hope in sustainability. Yet, within this realm of aluminium recycling lie various types of scrap, each endowed with distinctive properties tailored for specific applications. This article delves into the diverse categories of aluminium scrap, unravelling their attributes and suitability for various purposes. In the world of aluminium, where versatility is vital, AL Biz recognises the paramount importance of aluminium scrap to cater to the specific needs of consumers, ensuring the delivery of sought-after final products. With its extensive network of 1800+ verified sellers, AL Biz takes pride in curating a stellar list of top-5 aluminium scrap suppliers. These suppliers, carefully onboarded, contribute significantly to the industry's growth and innovation, further solidifying AL Biz's position as a beacon of excellence in the global aluminium marketplace. 1.B K K Metal Scrap Company Limited Established in 2009, B K K Metal Scrap Company Limited has emerged as a trailblazer in non-ferrous metal manufacturing, renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence. One of the leading traders of aluminium wheel scrap, ingot and Extrusion 6063 Scrap, B K K Metal Scrap is a premier high-tech enterprise boasting independent intellectual property rights across manufacturing, research and development, and sales. Products offered – Aluminium Wire Scrap Aluminium Wheel Scrap Aluminium Ingot 99.7% Aluminium Bar Specialising in the comprehensive processing of non-ferrous metals, their expertise spans a broad spectrum, encompassing copper, aluminium, zinc, magnesium, nickel, cobalt, tin, lead, and cadmium. Their expansive product line showcases a diverse array of series products, meticulously crafted in compliance with international standards. From sheets, coils, foil, strips, bars, and pipes to ingots and profiles, their offerings cater to the distinct requirements of various industries with precision and reliability. 2.South Texas Scrap Recycling In the recycling landscape, South Texas Scrap Recycling, shines as a prominent figure, particularly excelling in aluminium scraps trading. Their extensive portfolio underscores their versatility and expertise in aluminium recycling, from aluminium 6063 scrap to radiator scrap, engine block scrap, foil scrap, UBC scrap, and aluminium ingot A7. Renowned for their unwavering commitment to reliability, they have become the go-to partner for businesses seeking sustainable solutions for scrap metal requirements. Situated strategically in the USA, their location further enhances their standing as a leader in the aluminium recycling domain. Their impressive array of products spans a broad spectrum of aluminium scrap materials, catering to diverse needs within the industry. 3.RawOne Resources RawOne Resources is a renowned trading entity specialising in non-ferrous products within India. Situated in the bustling city of New Delhi, this esteemed company has carved a niche in the market. Under the stewardship of Mr. Anil Chauhan, RawOne Resources engages in the trade of metal scrap, manganese, chrome, iron ore, and billets, showcasing a diverse portfolio that caters to the varied needs of industries nationwide. Products offered include: Aluminium Tense Scrap Aluminium UBC Scrap Aluminium Talon Scrap Aluminium Talk Scrap Aluminium Taint Tabor Scrap 4.Estrella Tradings LLC Estrella Tradings, founded in 2009, is one of the leading suppliers of aluminium used beverage cans (UBC) scrap. It is dedicated to exporting non-metal scrap worldwide, serving clients in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, the Americas, and New Zealand. Its products have garnered widespread acclaim from international customers, earning it the esteemed 'Star Export House' status in Thailand. The company's facilities adhere to stringent quality standards, holding ISO 9001:2008 and HACCP certifications. With meticulously designed processes, it ensures the consistent delivery of export-quality products. 5.Archie Monk Scraps Limited - Trader of Metal Scraps Established in 2022 under the Archie Monk Group of Companies umbrella, AM Scrap LTD has emerged as a leading force in transforming plastic and metal scrap collection and trade in Australia. Products offered include: Aluminium Scrap Aluminium Alloy Wheel Scrap Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, our company boasts 120 dedicated employees and operates four branches nationwide. We collaborate closely with key regulatory authorities overseeing plastic and metal recycling nationwide. At AM Scrap LTD, we take pride in our professionalism, efficiency, and accessibility, ensuring affordability for clients of all scales. Source: https://www.alcircle.com/news/al-biz-unveils-the-top-5-aluminium-scrap-suppliers-of-the-week-107947

India is witnessing a surge in imported aluminium prices this week driven by several factors, including a notable increase in futures, limited availability of material, and a positive shift in demand. Across various grades of aluminium scrap, prices have risen by approximately $25-35/t w-o-w. According to BigMint's assessment, Tense scrap of Middle East (UAE) origin has experienced a $20/t increase, reaching $1,720/t. Simultaneously, scrap prices from the US have seen a $30 per tonne (t) hike, now standing at $1,790/t w-o-w. Notably, the sellers have reported that Zorba 95-5 of UK origin is currently facing challenges in the Indian market due to the Red Sea incident. As a result, Tense Scrap is gaining preference among buyers. Furthermore, an indentor shared with BigMint that the prices for Zorba 95-5 grade are mismatched, with only a few buyers bidding close to $2,000/t till last week in Chennai, whereas this week, if we normalize the bid prices, it is in the range from $1,920-1,930/t. However, BigMint's assessment stands at $1,960/t due to lower bids. Buyers have stated that India is experiencing material shortages, particularly in Tense scrap, which has led to a continuous increase in prices for both domestic and imported materials. In Chennai, buyers bid around $1,900/t CIF with a 2% attachment of Australian origin. The bid-offer dynamics for certain scrap grades exhibit inconsistencies, introducing an element of uncertainty into the market. The three-month futures for aluminium are at $2,240/t, up by $25/t w-o-w, in line with LME registered warehouse inventories, which stand at 525,250 tonnes. Talk scrap from the Middle East (UAE), and the US has seen a decrease of up to $50/t, driven by the recent decline in copper's three-month LME cash prices. Current copper LME prices hover at $8,290/t, down $90-100/t w-o-w. Moving on to China-origin silicon 553 prices, the market is almost closed during the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays, with only a few participants actively trading. As a result, there were no firm prices in the market. Silicon 553 is priced at approximately $2,030/t CIF Mundra, down $40/t. Meanwhile, sellers from the Middle East (UAE) offering Zinc diecast with 4-5 per cent attachment are quoting prices ranging from $1,920-1,930/t CIF. However, the bids are below the $1,900/t level, resulting in BigMint's assessment prices being set at $1,905/t CIF West Coast. In the domestic market, the scarcity of raw materials, particularly Tense scrap, has contributed to higher prices. Tense scrap prices are INR 170,000/t, while utensil scrap prices are INR 168,000/t ex-Delhi (excluding GST). Looking ahead, considering the current market situation, it is expected that scrap prices may increase due to shortages in the country. Source: https://www.alcircle.com/news/imported-aluminium-scrap-prices-in-india-trend-higher-on-increased-demand-and-futures-106903

A new recycling technique is doing rounds in the market, capable of giving a new life to broken bicycle frames, used car parts, and twisted aluminium mesh in the form of door and window frames. New recycling process ShAPE transforms aluminium scrap into building components, promoting 90% energy savings The US Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Washington has developed a new process called Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion Process (ShAPE) that can transform 100 per cent post-consumer aluminium scrap into usable extrusions. Also, the products made out of the process meet or exceed stringent ASTM standards (American Society for Testing and Materials) in terms of strength and flexibility for common building-grade alloys. The most significant advantage of this new process is that it can save almost 90 per cent of energy when making aluminium building components. PNNL chief scientist Scott Whalen, who led the research, explained: “The ShAPE manufacturing process conserves energy and eliminates greenhouse gas emissions on several fronts. First, we avoid the need to add primary aluminium. Then, we eliminate the need for what is called homogenisation of the billet material, a six- to 24-hour heat treatment near 500°C prior to extrusion.” PNNL also said, “The ShAPE technology unlocks the possibility of creating circularity in aluminium scrap markets, thus reducing dependency on imported primary aluminium and the massive amounts of energy associated with its production.” “The manufacturing process deforms scrap aluminium bricks or rod-shaped billets using high shear forces to ‘pulverise’ impurities in scrap aluminium into tiny particles, uniformly dispersing them within the aluminium microstructure.The dispersion eliminates microscopic iron clumps that can generate microfractures in recycled aluminium products manufactured using conventional methods,” explained the PNNL team. According to Scott Whalen, the new technology ShAPE offers a vast opportunity to decarbonise the building and construction industry. About 55 per cent of the global aluminium extrusion market serves the building and construction industry. source： https://www.alcircle.com/news/new-recycling-process-shape-transforms-aluminium-scrap-into-building-components-promoting-90-energy-savings-105811