Aluminium crisis, Mario Conserva (FACE) on Rai News 24: “EU a leader in processing, but secure access to raw materials is vital”
During an interview on Rai News 24, FACE Secretary General Mario Conserva highlighted the growing pressures on the European aluminium value chain. While prices have risen to around $3,600 per tonne, the core issue today is not demand, but access to primary aluminium.
Europe produces only about 15% of its own needs, while countries like Italy rely entirely on imports. This structural dependence — particularly on supplies from the Middle East — makes the EU highly exposed to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global supply chains.
At the same time, Europe remains a global leader in aluminium transformation, with strong expertise in extrusion, rolling and casting. However, without secure access to raw material, this industrial strength is at risk.
Ensuring stable and reliable supply of primary aluminium is therefore essential to safeguard competitiveness, industrial resilience and the continuity of downstream production across Europe.
The full episode is available here.
