Century Aluminum Company, a US-based producer of primary aluminium, has wholeheartedly welcomed Joe Biden’s move to tighten aluminium and steel imports from China and other nations through Mexico.
The United States administration has strategically imposed an additional 10 per cent tariff on primary aluminium smelted or cast in China, Iran, Belarus, or Russia arriving via Mexico. This move effectively addresses the loophole that countries were utilising to avoid US import tariffs by routing through Mexico, thereby safeguarding the domestic aluminium industry.
According to Century Aluminum, this initiation is an important first step in checking aluminium transshipments and unfair trade from third-party countries through Mexico.
Reportedly, in the future, aluminium smelted or cast in China, Iran, Belarus, or Russia and converted into products in Mexico will also see a 10 per cent tariff.
CEO Jesse Gary said: “We are thankful for President Biden’s continued support for the domestic aluminium industry. Aluminum is a key enabler of the green energy transition and a critical material for emerging green industries and our national defence. Today’s decision helps protect the industry and American workers.”
Earlier, the United States imposed antidumping and countervailing duties on aluminium extrusions from Mexico to address the surging imports of aluminium at below market value.
Gary added, “Today was a positive first step, and we will continue to fight for a level playing field.”
