Aluminum Scrap Markets
August 3, 2026
Trump signs memo targeting recoverable critical minerals and materials
Written by Stephanie Ritenbaugh
President Trump signed a memo calling for strengthened domestic supplies of recoverable critical minerals and materials (CMMs) under the Defense Protection Act, including export restrictions.
The presidential determination, signed last week, notes the United States relies heavily on imports of certain CMMs from foreign sources, “threatening serious and sustained supply chain disruptions.”
It grants the commerce secretary the authority to take “all appropriate action” under the law to secure these materials, including export restrictions.
The Aluminum Association praised the move, noting aluminum is among only a handful of materials included on every government critical minerals list.
“Aluminum scrap exports are growing and much of this metal is ending up with strategic rivals including China, either directly or through third party countries,” the Arlington, Va.-based trade group said in a statement. “The association encourages the commerce department to include aluminum scrap, specifically used beverage containers, in any implementation language or other action following this memorandum.”
The association has called for targeted scrap export controls to keep more of the metal for domestic use, which it says would help reduce dependence on foreign sources of aluminum and reinforce the US manufacturing base.
