The Aluminum Association, which represents companies that produce around 70 per cent of the primary aluminum as well as downstream products shipped in North America, has released a new policy brief outlining strategic priorities for the incoming US administration and Congress. The brief, titled ‘Aluminum for America,’ calls for a national strategy to prioritise, produce, and defend critical materials like aluminium.
According to a recent economic impact study, the US aluminium industry generates nearly £173 billion in direct and indirect economic impact and supports nearly 700,000 jobs, including 164,000 direct industry jobs. Despite this, the US primary aluminium production continues to decline, while the industry has invested over £7.6 billion in mid- and downstream processing and recycling capacity over the last decade.
The Aluminum Association has now urged the policymakers to take decisive action to support the domestic aluminium industry, which is facing significant challenges, including unfair trade practices by China. The association's president and CEO, Charles Johnson, said, "American aluminium is already growing and expanding, but we need policy action to unlock its full potential. By working together, we can ensure that this growth continues to support hundreds of thousands of American jobs while driving innovation in US manufacturing."
The policy brief emphasises four key priorities for a healthy and competitive US aluminium industry:
1. Pursue strong, targeted trade enforcement to counteract government-subsidised production and ensure fair competition globally.
2. Improve collection infrastructure and support policies to boost domestic recycling and secure an essential source of metal supply.
3. Recognise aluminium as critical for economic and national security and create a national strategy to secure aluminium supply chains.
4. Invest in America by investing in aluminium through smart infrastructure, tax, and energy policies.
The Aluminum Association is calling on policymakers to take action to support the domestic aluminum industry, which is critical to the US economy and national security. By prioritising aluminium production and recycling, the US can reduce its reliance on imported materials, create jobs, and drive innovation in manufacturing.
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