[SMM Aluminum Flash News] US 50% Aluminium Tariffs Tighten Supply as Imports Decline

Published: May 29, 2026 11:46

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Data from Industrious Labs showed that US 50% tariffs on primary aluminum have significantly reduced imports, with shipments from Canada falling 25% YoY and not fully replaced by other suppliers. Total available primary aluminum in the US, including domestic production and imports, has dropped to its lowest level since tariffs were introduced in 2018, even below pandemic lows. Meanwhile, US primary aluminum output has remained around 0.7–1.0 million tones since 2017, while demand could rise by as much as 40% over the next decade. Markets believe supply risks from the Middle East, high electricity costs and long smelter expansion timelines will keep the US aluminum market tight in the near term.

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