FACE warning: aluminium up 45% in six months, price rises from food to medicines
“We are facing a perfect storm that is driving aluminium prices up by 45% in just six months – an unsustainable increase that is already becoming a hidden tax on citizens’ health and daily life.” This is the warning issued by Mario Conserva, Secretary General of FACE, highlighting how aluminium – a strategic material for food safety, healthcare and industrial production – is now at the centre of a rapidly escalating crisis. As prices exceed $3,500 per tonne, the impact is already visible across key sectors: +25% in food packaging and +18% in pharmaceuticals.
“The consequences are immediate and far-reaching. Nearly 90% of tablet medicines rely on aluminium blister packaging, meaning rising raw material costs could soon translate into higher prices for essential healthcare products. At the same time, the automotive sector is experiencing cost increases of up to 20% in components, putting further pressure on vehicle prices and slowing the transition to electric mobility”, highlighted Conserva.
The ripple effects extend to households and the wider economy, with estimated price increases of up to 15% on everyday goods and up to 30% in construction materials. This is not just an industrial issue — it is a systemic challenge affecting competitiveness, consumers and the green transition.
FACE calls for urgent action. A de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East is essential to restore stability in supply chains and energy markets. At the same time, the EU must act decisively on energy costs and trade policies to support downstream industries and protect consumers from the growing impact of global instability.
The full article published by Sky TG24 is available here.
