US lawmaker introduces bill to review aluminium supply chains

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Haley Stevens, Congresswoman of Michigan, introduced the Secure Aluminium Supply Chains Act, a bill that is going to require a review of US aluminium scrap exports and their impact on the manufacturing sector of the country. 

This bill requires the US International Trade Commission (USITC) to conduct an investigation into aluminium scrap shipments to countries considered strategic competitors by the United States.

Stevens said that aluminium is widely used across automotive, aerospace and defence industries, which makes it an important material for US manufacturers.

The bill would require the USITC to examine where aluminium scrap exports are going and assess any economic or national security concerns linked to those exports.

"Michigan workers know that strong supply chains are the foundation of a strong manufacturing economy," said Rep. Stevens. "We cannot sit back and let strategic materials that power American manufacturing to flow to competitors actively working to undercut our industries. If scrap aluminum is helping China strengthen its industrial base while our manufacturers face supply challenges, Congress needs to know." 

The bill would also require consultations with domestic aluminium producers, recycling companies and labour unions as part of the review process.

The findings would be submitted to Congress along with recommendations related to domestic aluminium supply chains.

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Stevens has consistently pushed policies designed to reduce America's dependence on China and strengthen key domestic industries. 

Her recent initiatives include the Protecting Americans From Chinese Cars Act, introduced alongside Senator Elissa Slotkin, and the Unearth America's Future Act, which focuses on rebuilding U.S. critical mineral supply chains. 

Stevens also played an important role in passing the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which brought billions of dollars in investment to expand semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. 

She said the review would help lawmakers better understand whether exports of scrap aluminium are affecting the availability of material for US manufacturers.

The proposal has received support from industry and labour groups.

Roxanne Brown, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW), said aluminium scrap remains an important part of the aluminium supply chain and welcomed efforts to study its impact on manufacturing and national security.

Ryan Modlin, Vice President of Norsk Hydro USA, said understanding the flow of aluminium scrap exports could help support domestic manufacturing and supply chain planning.

The bill is the latest effort by Stevens to support US manufacturing and strengthen supply chains for industries that rely on critical materials.

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