US tariffs on Canadian aluminium cut Port of Oswego shipments by two-thirds

The Port of Oswego Authority has called for a temporary suspension of US tariffs on Canadian goods, saying the 50 per cent duty on Canadian aluminum is reducing shipments, working hours and revenue.

Tom Drumm, executive director of the Port of Oswego Authority, said the tariffs have made an already difficult business environment more challenging. In a recent interview, he called for an economic ceasefire to give Great Lakes ports, customers and suppliers some relief before the end of 2026.

In his words, “It's an economic ceasefire, in its most simplest terms… if the Great Lakes could get some breathing room here the next two months, it would really set us up for success heading into 2027.”

Between April and October 2023, the port handled around 60,000 tons of aluminum across 11 vessel arrivals. In the comparable period in 2026, five to six vessels arrived, carrying about 20,000 tons combined.

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Drumm said the lower volumes have reduced working hours and affected the port’s bottom line. Aluminum is a major source of revenue for the port, which also serves other Great Lakes destinations, including Toledo, Windsor and Detroit, through vessel movements.

Drumm said, “Anytime the Great Lakes does business with Canada and several other ports across the Great Lakes have an intertwined relationship like we do, whether it's steel, whether it's aluminum, whether it's other commodities and products, they're going to be feeling the effects as well.”

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The St. Lawrence Seaway system typically closes in December, with port operations resuming around April or May.

He said longer-term changes could come through legislation or ongoing court challenges to the tariffs. In the meantime, the port is seeking ways to maintain efficiency and reduce its reliance on aluminum shipments alone.

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As part of its diversification efforts, the Port of Oswego handled around 25,000 tons of rock salt during Drumm’s first six months in the role. He said the port would continue exploring other commodities that could support its business during the slowdown.

Drumm added, “We'll always be an aluminum port. But in lean times like this, we have to look into any way to diversify as possible….And we're going to continue to look to bring anything we can.”