The Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC) is a non-profit organisation that brings together Canada’s three primary producers - Alcoa, Aluminerie Alouette, and Rio Tinto. It represents the Canadian primary aluminium industry towards population, public authorities, current and future aluminium users, as well as key environmental and economic stakeholders. Jean Simard, being the President and CEO of the Association, has shared his comprehension on the potential performance of the aluminium market in Canada in 2020, how the LME price movement in the year last can drift the Candian market this year, and also how USMCA trade deal can help in a sustainable development in North American aluminium industry in 2020. Besides, if you want to know how the increase in semi-finished import by the US can impact the domestic market in Canada or how the Canadian government is planning to develop its downstream sector, then stay tuned to this interview.

AlCircle: It is a win for the Canadian aluminium industry that the U.S. tariffs on aluminium and steel have been lifted in 2019 without any quota and restrictions. How do you think it would improve the aluminium industry outlook for Canada in 2020?

Jean Simard: It certainly is a good thing for Canada in a low LME price environment, and although we are already using most of our capacity, it makes Canada the only significant primary producer in the world with unfettered access to the U.S. market.