Canadian aluminium output remains resilient despite US tariffs

Published 8th June, 2026 by Jess Mills

According to the Aluminium Association of Canada, production has remained steady in Quebec despite steep US tariffs.

Quebec aluminium smelters are maintaining an operating capacity of 95% with no reported layoffs.

According to the Aluminium Association of Canada, production has remained steady despite steep US tariffs.

On June 4, 2025, the Trump administration raised tariffs on aluminium and steel imports from 25% to 50%.

This resulted in a loss of approximately USD 600 million for Quebec producers when US customers declined to absorb the added costs.

Since then, the market has stabilised as producers redirected inventory from Europe to the US to capitalise on rising prices.

However, global aluminium prices continue to rise, with further increases anticipated due to the ongoing crisis in Iran.

Jess Mills

AIT Deputy Editor

Jess studied Creative and Professional Writing at university, earning her degree in 2020. Prior to joining Quartz Business Media, she worked as a freelance writer.