On Tuesday, October 14th, a trade organization representing the aluminum industry called for a ban on the United States exporting scrap beverage cans to China in order to support the production of American automobiles, fighter jets, tanks, and satellites.
According to Reuters, the Aluminum Association of the United States stated that the country annually consumes 5 to 6 million tons of aluminum scrap and exports over 2 million tons. The organization urged an immediate prohibition on exporting scrap beverage cans to areas outside North America due to national security concerns. It was also noted that a majority of American waste materials are processed in China before being shipped back to the U.S.
The organization pointed out that the U.S. aluminum industry faces a supply gap of approximately 4 million tons of primary aluminum each year, and achieving self-sufficiency “requires years, billions of dollars in investment, and access to a large amount of cheap energy.”
Close to half of the U.S.’s scrap aluminum is used for exports.
The association emphasized growing concerns as the demand for aluminum in key sectors like automobiles, aircraft, and packaging continues to rise.
In June, President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on aluminum shipments to the U.S. The Department of Commerce announced in August an increase in tariffs on over 400 products (including numerous auto parts) involving steel and aluminum, with the total annual import value of these products reaching $240 billion. These parts include automobile exhaust systems, electrical steel for electric vehicles, and components for public transportation vehicles.
The U.S. tariffs are not limited to just steel and aluminum themselves, but also extend to a range of “derivative” products made from these metals.
According to data from U.S. Customs, the U.S. relies on importing aluminum primarily from countries like Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Mexico to meet the majority of its domestic demand. Aluminum product net imports from these three countries accounted for around 80% of the top ten importers in 2024.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated in a Senate confirmation hearing in February that the domestic steel and aluminum industries in the U.S. need protection to avoid the impact of global overcapacity.
He also expressed concerns that Chinese and other companies in sending products to the U.S. through Canada and Mexico might mix in their own country’s products. Greer hinted at imposing restrictions to prevent other countries from “free-riding” on U.S. trade.