Trade uncertainty clouds Bridgnorth Aluminium’s future in the US

A major metal manufacturer in Shropshire, UK, has expressed concerns that new US tariffs on aluminium and steel imports will create trade challenges. Bridgnorth Aluminium, the UK's only fully integrated aluminium coil rolling plant, employs 330 people in Shropshire and exports 20 per cent of its production to the US.

The introduction of these tariffs adds uncertainty and could reduce the company's competitiveness compared to the existing quota and exemption system. Under the new policy, which took effect on March 12, 2025, US businesses importing steel and aluminium must now pay a 25 per cent tariff, following a directive from President Donald Trump.

Adrian Musgrave, Head of Sales at Bridgnorth Aluminium, commented, “These tariffs add another dimension to the global uncertainty we are all currently dealing with."

“If there is no movement on the 25% rate it will make trading with the US more difficult for us as a business, but it could also cause supply and cost issues for firms in America too."

“For example, for a significant portion of our US sales, there is currently no US producer. This means there is no threat to domestic aluminium production, yet companies using our aluminium may soon be hit by rising costs."

“What would we like to see? A deal between the UK and the US that removes tariffs altogether or significantly reduces tariffs from the 25% rate. This is something we are championing with the Department for Business and Trade and key manufacturing bodies, such as the Aluminium Federation (ALFED). Confederation of British Metalforming and Make UK."

“We are grateful for the engagement of the UK government and the manufacturing associations, who are all lobbying hard on our behalf.”

Bridgnorth Aluminium, which exports to 14 countries, is optimistic that a UK-US trade deal will be finalised, eliminating tariffs entirely or substantially lowering the current 25 per cent rate.

The Chamber of Commerce has also expressed concern about how tariffs might affect other manufacturers exporting to the US.

Ruth Ross, CEO of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, said, "The new export tax plunges businesses, in both the US and UK, into a new age of uncertainty".