Century Aluminum Backs Trump Trade Policies After IEEPA Ruling
Aluminum | 2026-02-23 07:06:57
Since the Section 232 program was reinforced last year without exemptions, Century has expanded U.S. primary aluminum output by nearly 10% through upgrades at its Mt. Holly, South Carolina smelter.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Century Aluminum Company reaffirmed its support for President Donald J. Trump’s America First trade policies following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The company noted that while the Court’s decision addressed IEEPA tariffs, the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs remain fully in effect. Century said these measures have been critical in strengthening the U.S. industrial base and ensuring fair competition for domestic producers.
Since the Section 232 program was reinforced last year without exemptions, Century has expanded U.S. primary aluminum output by nearly 10% through upgrades at its Mt. Holly, South Carolina smelter. The company has also announced plans, alongside Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), to build the first new U.S. aluminum smelter in nearly 50 years in Inola, Oklahoma. The project is expected to double U.S. primary aluminum production capacity and generate more than 1,000 permanent jobs and 4,000 construction roles.
Century, which produces nearly 60% of America’s primary aluminum, said it plans to invest billions more in domestic capacity expansion in the years ahead.
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POLL
Will sustained Section 232 tariffs drive a long-term revival of U.S. primary aluminum production?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the Supreme Court ruling about?
The ruling addressed tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), but did not affect Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs.
- Why are Section 232 tariffs significant to Century Aluminum?
The company credits them with stabilizing domestic pricing, improving competitiveness, and supporting reinvestment in U.S. primary aluminum production.
- What expansion projects has Century announced?
Output at the Mt. Holly smelter has risen nearly 10%, and a new greenfield smelter project is planned in Inola, Oklahoma.
