Commentary: Aluminum tariffs are driving manufacturing growth in SC

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A new era of U.S. aluminum manufacturing is dawning in Berkeley County. The historic investment in Century Aluminum’s Mt. Holly primary aluminum smelter is a major turning point, as the United States fights to regain a leading position in the global aluminum market. Expanding our capacity at Mt. Holly will grow total U.S. domestic primary aluminum production by 10 percent and bring our total Mt. Holly workforce to more than 600 high-paying manufacturing jobs in the Lowcountry.

Aluminum is a vital product for both our economy and our national security: It keeps our country running, from the cellphone in your pocket to the vehicle in your driveway to the power grid running to your home. The metal is also a foundational material for U.S. aircraft, armored vehicles and naval vessels. It forms the skins of the fighter jets and body armor worn by our warfighters. Our ability to produce aluminum in America is vital to our national security.

America used to be an aluminum powerhouse.

In 2000, there were 23 primary aluminum smelters in the United States. Today, the market has been overtaken by foreign countries that have exploited U.S. trade law and flooded the country with unfairly traded aluminum imports. Only four smelters remain in the United States.

On Monday, we celebrated the historic Mt. Holly expansion with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and the Mt. Holly community. This expansion is a direct result of President Donald Trump’s leadership. After his re-election, he increased the Section 232 aluminum tariff to 50 percent and closed all loopholes. We are already seeing the benefits of the Trump trade doctrine in the aluminum industry.

In just one year, the industry has seen a rebirth unlike any before it. According to a recent University of South Carolina report, Century’s Mt. Holly plant generates nearly $1 billion each year in economic impact to the state. We look forward to increasing this through the investment and creating hundreds of jobs.

In addition to the expansion at Mt. Holly, Century Aluminum is building the first aluminum smelter in the United States in almost 50 years, investing billions of dollars towards what will be the single largest investment ever in the U.S. metals industry. This investment alone will double the nation’s aluminum production capacity.

The president’s trade doctrine has put American industry first, helping restore the opportunity for good-paying jobs that strengthen families and communities alike. Thanks to decisive leadership and a renewed commitment to domestic manufacturing and economic independence, America stands on the threshold of a new era of prosperity, with the best yet to come.

Jesse Gary is the president CEO and director of Century Aluminum.

Courtesy: www.postandcourier.com