America’s last alumina refinery suffers hard: Here’s how US trade policies hit home hard
In the heart of Gramercy, Louisiana, a silent struggle unfolds. Atlantic Alumina’s refinery, the last remaining alumina plant in the United States, is grappling with the heavy toll of shifting trade policies on metal, cars and dozens of foreign exporters. What was once a thriving symbol of industrial resilience now stands at the crossroads of uncertainty and with it, the lives of more than 550 workers hang in the balance.
Image source: Atalco
Atlantic Alumina, or Atalco, is the last operating alumina refinery in the US, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. With 550 workers, the plant processes Jamaican bauxite into alumina, a white, sugar-like compound essential for making primary aluminium. Atalco supplies nearly 40 per cent of the nation's alumina needs. But despite its critical role, Atlantic Alumina finds itself vulnerable in a trade landscape that seems less about local empowerment and more about global politics.
Unlock full access – sign up for FREE.
Key benefits
Q2 alumina prices likely to walk a rocky road with market turbulence and supply surge on the rise
Next articleBauxite costs ease alongside eased supply pressure, alumina prices under pressure with fluctuating trends
Grow with
AL Circle
