The US aluminum industry’s main trade group is pushing for Canada and Mexico to match Washington’s tariffs on imports from outside North America. The Aluminum Association CEO Chuck Johnson stated the group wants Canada and Mexico to align with US tariffs so that North American trade remains equal. This effort aims to create a more unified North American aluminum market.
In August, the association and its Canadian counterpart urged Washington and Ottawa to stop targeting each other with tariffs and instead forge a common front against competition from China and other non-market economies. The US relies on imports for roughly 60% of its primary aluminum needs, with Canada as its biggest foreign supplier. The Association is staying out of the White House’s business regarding the tariff rate itself, focusing instead on making whatever rate is in place workable.
The group is also calling for tougher rules of origin, stronger "smelt and cast" provisions and improved monitoring of aluminum entering and trading within North America. Johnson noted the Section 232 tariff regime has proved durable since its introduction during Trump’s first term, but added that the rate and other parts could be adjusted. The association generally favors a simpler, more uniform tariff structure, arguing that complicated tariffs create more opportunities for arbitrage.
Source: Bloomberg Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing