The American Aluminium Institute urges the US government to reconsider its decision to double the tax on imported aluminium!
June 11, 2025
Charles Johnson, the president and CEO of the Aluminum Institute of America, issued a statement in response to the Trump administration's decision to raise the aluminum tariff under Section 232 from 25% to 50%, urging the US government to reconsider the decision as it may have negative impacts on US aluminum enterprises, customers and consumers.
Charles Johnson said, "It is crucial to rebuild a fairer competitive environment for domestic producers in the United States, but a 50% tariff under Section 232 could undermine the industries that the government aims to support." The Alcoa, which represents the entire industry supply chain and 70% of domestic production, has urged the government to reconsider today's decision as it will have a negative impact on manufacturers. "
Charles Johnson believes that aluminium and steel are completely different metals, with different supply chains, market dynamics and strategic challenges. Adopting a one-size-fits-all trade policy towards these strategic materials may bring unexpected consequences to the US economy and national defense. Crucially, a 50% tariff rate could also raise prices for consumers, reduce demand, and weaken the ability of the aluminium industry to serve the base of the US defense industry. Aluminum companies need a reliable supply of metals, prevent the transshipment of metals from non-market economies, and need to see the certainty in the changes of the tariff pattern.
Charles Johnson said, "The U.S. aluminum industry appreciates the Trump administration's focus on bringing more aluminum production and jobs back to the United States and will continue to be committed to supporting these goals." We look forward to working closely with the government to clearly express the industry's concerns about the Section 232 tariffs and provide alternative actions to better support the future growth of the US aluminum industry.
According to the subsequent release of new information by the Aluminum Institute of the United States, the above views of the Aluminum Institute of the United States were widely reported by the media. The Associated Press, CNN, The New York Times, Time Magazine, Fortune magazine, etc. all published relevant news. Charles Johnson has met with White House officials at the National Economic Council and the Department of Commerce.
