SMM1, 15 March: at the S & P global Prats aluminum seminar in San Diego, Pierre Boiswitt, general manager of Albecour, said that imposing a 10 per cent tariff on US aluminum imports last year had not only hurt the interests of US consumers. It also harms the interests of Canadian suppliers.
However, after the implementation of tariffs, Canada's primary aluminum exports to the United States gradually fell from about 200000 tons per month in 2017 to 150000 tons per month in the second half of 2018. On the other hand, shipments from Canada to Europe soared to more than 30, 000 tons in October 2018, up from less than 5000 tons a year earlier.
"the agreement between Canada and Europe to allow Canadian metals to be exempt from duty in Europe is the key to this shift," he said.
In the near future, Albecour is optimistic about demand, as global aluminum shortages are expected to be 1.8 million tons this year and 1.4 million tons in 2020, representing a demand growth rate of 3% to 3.5%. However, "Canadian producers will continue to be affected by high alumina prices and US tariffs, and there is no clear indication that they will be lifted soon." He added.
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