At the Fastmarkets International Aluminium 2025 conference in Barcelona, Spain, which took place from September 9 to 11, Alcoa’s President and CEO, William F. Oplinger, expressed that he feels “tremendously optimistic” about the company’s prospects in the coming years.
Oplinger recognised the ongoing market uncertainty caused by tariffs, pointing out that these actions would not sway Alcoa’s investment choices. At the same time, he expressed his backing for the US government’s decision to implement tariffs as a way to bolster domestic manufacturing.
He further highlighted the firm’s robust supply chain, underscoring how the team actively makes real-time decisions on global material shipments. He also maintained a positive outlook following discussions with US policymakers, who he noted are attentive to industry concerns regarding tariffs and market uncertainty.
Also read: US tariffs and Europe's scrap shortages weighing on Alcoa
At the conference, Oplinger addressed the uncertainties in the market caused by tariffs but expressed strong confidence in the company’s ability to adapt strategically. He shared that Alcoa is now redirecting metal from Canada, which was initially meant for the US, to other markets like Europe and local Canadian traders.
This shift is designed to lessen the effects of the recently increased US tariffs. Oplinger highlighted that this kind of flexibility in the supply chain not only helps maintain business operations but also bolsters the company’s prospects for long-term growth.
Moving ahead, Alcoa is focusing on key strategic projects, which include bringing its smelter in Spain back online, expanding its operations in Western Australia and exploring new growth opportunities in the recycling industry.
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