[SMM Aluminum Flash News] Quebec Aluminum Smelters Maintain 95% Capacity Despite Higher US Tariffs

Published: Jun 9, 2026 14:26

Save

Quebec aluminum smelters are continuing to operate at around 95% capacity with no reported layoffs despite higher US import tariffs. According to the Aluminum Association of Canada, the Trump administration’s decision to raise aluminum and steel tariffs from 25% to 50% initially resulted in losses of approximately USD600 million for Quebec producers after US customers resisted absorbing the additional costs. However, market conditions have since stabilized as aluminum originally destined for Europe was redirected to the US market to benefit from higher prices. Industry participants noted that global aluminum prices continue to rise, with further upside risks linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Iran crisis.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

22 mins ago

Central China Aluminum Market Sees Narrow Spread, Firm Prices Amid Declining SHFE Futures

[SMM Central China Spot Aluminum Midday Review] SHFE aluminum futures prices continued to decline compared to yesterday's early session, with a relatively narrow spot-futures spread. Traders in the central China market took the opportunity to hold prices firm, maintaining high discounts and shipping large volumes, while market trading sentiment edged up from yesterday. The actual transaction price range in the central China market was around a discount of 100-130 yuan/mt against the SHFE aluminum June contract.

22 mins ago

24 mins ago

SHFE: Cast Aluminum Alloy Warrants Drop to 38,866 mt on June 9

[SMM Flash] SHFE data showed that on June 9, the total registered warrants for cast aluminum alloy stood at 38,866 mt, a decrease of 448 mt from the previous trading day. Among them, the registered quantity in Shanghai was 2,897 mt, unchanged from the previous trading day; Guangdong 8,801 mt, down 514 mt; Jiangsu 7,560 mt, down 59 mt; Zhejiang 12,666 mt, up 185 mt; Chongqing 5,947 mt, down 60 mt; and Sichuan 995 mt, unchanged.

24 mins ago

1 hour ago

Metro Mining Sees 45% Monthly Bauxite Shipment Growth in May, Forecasts Strong H2 Recovery

On June 9, Metro Mining released an operational update. In May 2026, bauxite shipments reached 604,000 wmt, up 45% MoM. From January to May, Metro shipped a total of 1.12 million wmt of bauxite, a 5% YoY decline. With the full recovery of transport capacity, bauxite shipments are expected to rebound in H2. Full-year 2026 bauxite shipments are expected to range from 6.6 million to 7.1 million wmt.

1 hour ago