Today, Aluminum Association President & CEO Tom Dobbins issued the following statement in response to the implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):

“USMCA’s implementation is a historic achievement, and we greatly appreciate the efforts of the U.S., Canadian and Mexican governments in ensuring this trade agreement guarantees robust, fair and rules-based trade of aluminum and aluminum products between the three countries. Furthermore, the new Rules of Origin that incentivize regional sourcing of aluminum for auto parts and vehicles will drive demand for U.S. aluminum manufacturers in the years to come. 

The integrated North American aluminum supply chain has been a crucial element of the U.S. aluminum industry’s ability to invest and grow over the past several decades. Fully 97 percent of U.S. aluminum industry jobs are in mid-and-downstream production and processing, and these jobs depend on a mix of domestic and imported primary aluminum to meet demand, including from countries like Canada. As manufacturers transition to comply with USMCA, increased trade of aluminum within North America will benefit the U.S. aluminum industry.

President Trump struck a good deal to exempt Canada from the Section 232 tariffs last year, and that deal is still working for the U.S. aluminum industry and the 690,000 American jobs it supports. The domestic aluminum industry will continue to thrive within a tariff- and quota-free North American region.

With strong commitments – like those from all three countries to monitor aluminum imports – and trade rules, the region can work together to address the fundamental issue of persistent aluminum overcapacity in China and its detrimental impact on the global aluminum market.”

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About The Aluminum Association
The Aluminum Association represents aluminum production and jobs in the United States, ranging from primary production to value added products to recycling, as well as suppliers to the industry. The association is the industry’s leading voice, representing companies that make 70 percent of the aluminum and aluminum products shipped in North America. The association develops global standards, business intelligence, sustainability research and industry expertise for member companies, policymakers and the general public. The aluminum industry helps manufacturers produce sustainable and innovative products, including more fuel-efficient vehicles, recyclable packaging, greener buildings and modern electronics.  In the U.S., the aluminum industry supports $174 billion in economic activity and nearly 700,000 jobs. For more information visit https://www.aluminum.org, on Twitter @AluminumNews or at Facebook.com/AluminumAssociation.