In 2016, EU exported about 941 ktonnes of scrap around the globe. More than 80% of this scrap headed to Asia, with 38% destined for China and 27% to India. The high export levels of scrap compromise the development of the recycling industry and the circular economy in Europe. If that scrap were kept in the EU instead of exported, it could be instead be recycled, which saves about 95% of the energy required to produce primary aluminium.