The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) has criticised the UK Government for excluding aluminium in defence policy discussions.
In a statement from ALFED CEO, Nadine Bloxsome, Ms Bloxsome outlines “a notable and concerning omission” by the Government when it comes to prioritising aluminium across defence and national security.
The response comes after the UK Government’s announcement to prioritise domestic suppliers across steel, shipbuilding, AI and energy infrastructure for national security procurement. However, aluminium was not mentioned.
“Aluminium is not a peripheral material,” Ms Bloxsome stated. “Nowhere is this more evident than in shipbuilding, one of the sectors highlighted in the Government’s announcement.
“Modern vessels increasingly rely on aluminium to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance. This is already happening in the UK, with companies such as OCEA demonstrating how aluminium is central to next-generation maritime capability,” she continued.
In the US, aluminium is recognised as a critical material. It was designated as a “critical mineral” by the Department of the Interior in 2022 and remains included in subsequent critical materials lists, including the 2025 update. This classification reflects a clear understanding of aluminium’s importance to defence, infrastructure and industrial resilience.
Similarly, the European Union introduced the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), classifying aluminium as a strategic raw material essential for the green transition.
“The Government’s announcement is an important step forward, but it must now go further,” Ms Bloxsome added.
“Recognising aluminium as a strategic material would not only strengthen the UK’s national security position, it would also unlock investment, drive innovation and ensure that the country remains competitive in an increasingly complex global landscape,” she concluded.
