EU CBAM 2028 downstream expansion: Aluminium exporters face new carbon costs and data rules

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism expands to roughly 180 downstream aluminium product categories on January 1, 2028. Exporters of extrusions, die-castings, and finished components will need verified carbon data for each shipment. Without it, products face steep cost penalties or exclusion from the European market. AL Circle reports that the expansion targets a loophole where European manufacturers could import carbon-heavy finished goods instead of raw metal. The move could add up to EUR 230 per tonne for aluminium extrusion imports. Exporters in China, India, and other non-EU countries must now track embedded emissions across their supply chains. The article notes CBAM covers only 0.37% of global trade and cuts 0.4-0.5% of global emissions. But the economic impact is concentrated on developing-nation exporters. Companies should start measuring carbon intensity now and prepare for verification by EU-approved bodies.