AMU
February 13, 2025
Written by Greg Wittbecker
Canada remains at risk from several import duties on its exports of aluminum to the US.
On March 4, it may face a 10% duty under the heading of criterial mineral imports after being threatened with a 25% tariff against it and Mexico. There is a view that aluminum will get the same treatment as the announced 10% tariff on Canadian crude.
Kibar Americas said production has started at its aluminum plant in Fairmont, W.Va., where it will manufacture products for the HVAC, packaging, automotive and industrial sectors.
China is bumping up against its official primary production capacity limit of 45.3 million metric tons/year, but production can still increase through “capacity creep.”
Automotive aluminum demand is rising as extrusions, sheet, and castings gain ground across vehicle applications and powertrains.
Recycler demand increased while fewer respondents reported sufficient obsolete scrap, even as inventory drawdowns remained widespread.
On July 9, Aluminum Market Update published “Did aluminum markets price in peace too soon?” The article used data and events through July 8 to test whether falling prices and light financial participation had moved ahead of conditions around the Strait of Hormuz. A month later, LME aluminum positioning offers a useful checkpoint on how that trade played out.