Aluminium production in Europe: status for 2025. Analysis, producers, consumers, forecast

European aluminium production remains an important industry segment, providing key sectors of the economy with essential raw materials. By 2025, the industry is showing both sustainable growth and significant challenges related to environmental standards, geopolitical tensions and global competition. This article provides an analysis of the current state of the industry, the main market players, consumers of products and forecasts for 2026.

General characteristics of the industry

According to the European Aluminium Association, the volume of primary aluminium production in the European Union in 2025 is about 4.5 million tons. This is significantly lower than the peaks of the early 2010s, due to capacity cuts and a shift to importing metal from other regions such as Asia and the Middle East.

European aluminium producers face a number of factors affecting their competitiveness:

• High energy costs associated with alumina electrolysis.
• Strict environmental regulations requiring a reduction in the carbon footprint.
• Increasing dependence on imported raw materials (alumina).

Despite these challenges, European aluminium production remains significant due to the development of secondary aluminium recycling and the introduction of innovative technologies.

Major EU Aluminium Producers

The largest players in the market remain the companies that are members of the European Aluminium Association. These enterprises account for more than 80% of all aluminium production in the region. Key market players include:

• Hydro Aluminium (Norway): The company specializes in the production of low-carbon aluminium, which is in line with the EU strategy for decarbonization of the industry. Hydro is actively investing in the modernization of its plants and the use of renewable energy sources.
• Trimet Aluminium (Germany): Trimet is one of the largest European aluminium producers, offering a wide range of products for the automotive, construction and packaging industries. The company also focuses on improving the energy efficiency of its production processes.
• Alro (Romania): This manufacturer plays an important role in Eastern Europe, offering products for the domestic market and for export. Alro actively cooperates with the European Aluminium Association to implement advanced technologies.

These companies maintain the stability of the industry despite increasing pressure from international competitors.

Consumers of aluminum products

The main consumers of aluminum in Europe are the following industries:

• Automotive: Aluminum is widely used to produce lightweight components, which helps reduce the weight of vehicles and improve their energy efficiency.
• Construction: The metal is used in construction due to its strength, corrosion resistance and aesthetic characteristics.
• Packaging: Aluminum foil and containers remain popular due to their environmental friendliness and ability to protect products from external influences.

European aluminum producers are actively adapting to changing consumer demands, offering innovative solutions and materials that meet modern standards.

2026 Outlook

Optimistic Outlook

If the European Aluminium Association can effectively coordinate efforts to decarbonise the industry and reduce energy costs, European aluminium production could grow by 5-7% by 2026. Key success factors:

• Expanding the use of secondary aluminium, which requires 95% less energy for recycling.
• Supporting government programmes to finance green technologies.
• Strengthening positions in the domestic market through import substitution.

Pessimistic Outlook

If geopolitical tensions intensify and electricity prices rise, European aluminium producers could face further capacity cuts. Possible consequences:

• Increased dependence on aluminium imports from countries with lower production costs.
• Decreased competitiveness of European products on the world market.
• Closing of small enterprises unable to adapt to new conditions.

The role of the European Aluminium Association

The European Aluminium Association continues to play a key role in supporting the industry. It actively lobbies the interests of producers at EU level, promotes sustainability standards and organises joint research to improve production efficiency.

The Association also works to improve the image of aluminium as an environmentally friendly material, which is especially important in the context of increasing attention to climate issues.

Conclusion

European aluminium production is at a crossroads: on the one hand, the industry faces serious challenges related to high costs and environmental restrictions; on the other, the industry faces serious challenges related to high costs and environmental restrictions; on the other hand, it has the potential for growth through innovation and the development of secondary raw material recycling. The future of the industry largely depends on the actions of the European Aluminium Association, European aluminium producers and government agencies.

Under favourable conditions, the industry can strengthen its position in the domestic and international markets by 2026, but without timely support measures, there is a risk of further production reduction.