The Aluminum Association has released an updated policy framework outlining priorities to strengthen the US aluminium supply chain.

The framework also aims to improve trade enforcement and better align regional trade policies against unfairly traded aluminium from non-market economies.

This comes as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is under review.

Charles Johnson, President and CEO of the Aluminum Association, said: “The USMCA review is a chance to fix what doesn’t work and ensure that North American countries trade fairly with each other.

“North America needs to act as one market when it comes to keeping unfairly traded aluminium outside of the region.

“That means aligned tariffs, better data, stronger rules of origin and real enforcement at every border.

“And there needs to be consequences when any of these countries act unfairly.”

The Aluminum Association's updated USMCA framework, available here, calls on policymakers to:

  • Harmonise external aluminium tariffs across North America and close loopholes that allow unfairly traded aluminium to enter the region through the weakest trade regime.
  • Strengthen transparency through co-ordinated import monitoring and data-sharing systems.
  • Update rules of origin to ensure products containing aluminium from non-market economies do not receive preferential USMCA treatment.
  • Preserve the free flow of aluminium scrap among the US, Canada, and Mexico while addressing growing exports of valuable North American scrap to non-market economies.
  • Support regional markets by ensuring consistent application of trade rules.
  • Increase penalties and enforcement against tariff evasion, transshipment, and fraudulent country-of-origin claims.

The Aluminum Association said North America's aluminium market is deeply integrated, with the US relying on Canadian primary aluminium and scrap trade with both Canada and Mexico to support manufacturing sectors.

For example, 90% of the scrap imported to support US automotive, packaging, aerospace, energy, and defence sectors comes from North American trading partners.

At the same time, aluminium producers across the region face increasing pressure from state-supported overcapacity and unfair trade practices originating outside of the region.

Johnson said: “The goal of USMCA review must not be to preserve the status quo.

“It should be to create a stronger North American manufacturing platform capable of competing with China's state-supported aluminium industry and other non-market competitors.

“With better alignment, stronger enforcement and greater transparency, USMCA can truly deliver for manufacturers, workers, and consumers throughout North America.”

The US aluminium industry has invested more than $11 billion in US operations over the past 10 years, including two new aluminium rolling mills for the first time in nearly 50 years.

In addition, the Trump Administration has consistently acknowledged aluminium’s critical role in both economic and national security.