US to cut aluminium import duties to address supply shortages

Published 24th July, 2026 by Jess Mills

The new policy aims to address ongoing aluminium supply shortages in the US.

President Donald Trump has created a programme to cut primary aluminium import tariffs from 50% to 25% for companies investing in US manufacturing.

The new White House policy aims to address ongoing supply shortages and reduce the gap between domestic smelting capacity and national demand.

To qualify for tariff relief, businesses must submit detailed “onshoring plans” to build new smelters, expand existing facilities, or refurbish outdated plants.

Construction on approved projects must begin by January 20, 2029.

Companies whose plans are formally approved by the Department of Commerce will be permitted to import a volume of primary aluminium equal to their project’s expected annual output at half the standard Section 232 tariff rate.

The temporary relief is designed to support manufacturers while new US facilities are being constructed.

If an approved company fails to meet its agreed construction milestones, officials retain the authority to revoke the discounted rates, retroactively collect full duties, and issue financial penalties.

See the full proclamation here.

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.