US closes aluminium tariff loopholes: Will the domestic industry really applaud Trump’s bold move?

In a policy shift announcement on Monday, February 10, the United States government has brought forth the decree to implement a 25 per cent tariff on all primary aluminium imports, effective March 4, 2025. The executive order, signed by President Donald Trump, aims to bolster the country’s domestic aluminium industry and address long-standing concerns over unfair international trade practices.

The newly enforced tariff removes previous exemptions and quota deals, closing loopholes that had allowed nearly 75 per cent of aluminium imports to bypass tariffs. Domestic entities anticipate this move will benefit American aluminium producers, including Century Aluminum, a leading primary aluminium manufacturer based in Chicago.

Century Aluminum’s CEO, Jesse Gary, expressed strong support for the President’s decisive action to fight back against unfair trade practices that have disadvantaged the US primary aluminium industry for years. He stated, “We strongly support today’s Executive Order from President Donald J. Trump imposing a 25 per cent tariff to stop the flood of aluminium imports into the United States. President Trump’s decisive action will protect national security and help level the playing field for America’s aluminium workers. On behalf of our employees, I thank President Trump for putting America first and strengthening the Section 232 tariffs, which will help drive the resurgence of domestic aluminium production.”