Jean Simard is one of the most well-known and popular people in the global aluminium industry. Jean heads up the Canadian Aluminum Association.

Following the recent news that the US had imposed tariffs on imports of aluminium from markets such as China, Jean contacted me to discuss the issue.  I invited him to plan a few words for the article.  Here is what he contributed, untouched, apart from a comma here or there.

The view from the North

With the United States and Mexico imposing tariffs on certain aluminium products, Canada's primary aluminium industry, exempt from those tariffs, stands in a unique position. With its privileged access to the North American market, this advantage is set to benefit the region. Canadian primary aluminium offers key characteristics for the North American value chain:

• A low carbon footprint
• Responsible production practices
• A short logistics chain
• Alignment with the market's political and economic environment

 In a rapidly changing world, the strategic importance of primary aluminium cannot be overstated. The shift to low-carbon primary production is not only advantageous but necessary. Our allies' new tariff measures are designed to encourage the development of their aluminium value chains, creating synergy with Canadian products that meet the industry's highest standards. While these changes may bring short-term market volatility, they will ultimately promote long-term resilience.

 USMCA offers its three members a tremendous opportunity to leverage their competitive advantages from upstream to downstream while maintaining a level playing field. Canada has worked continually with its USMCA partners to ensure trade compliance while recognising that each country might be at a different point on its journey towards a harmonised customs zone.

We must also strive towards tariff conformity through the value chain to avoid artificial distortions. This would enable each country to leverage its natural competitive advantages to benefit all three parties.

By promoting sustainable and efficient aluminium production, North America can ensure the long-term viability of its aluminium value chain while benefiting from the strengths of Canadian primary aluminium.

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Many thanks to Jean for his contribution.