U.S. Aluminum Industry Group Calls for Tougher USMCA Rules Against China
Aluminum | 2025-12-08 05:39:39
Since 2016, members have invested over $11 billion in U.S. operations.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Aluminum Association President and CEO Charles Johnson called for decisive action to protect the North American aluminum market during testimony at the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) first joint review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Johnson emphasized the need to curb the surge of subsidized Chinese aluminum entering the region and to support American jobs, investment, and national security.
“A strengthened USMCA must deliver a level playing field for North American manufacturers and workers,” Johnson stated. He highlighted that imports of Chinese aluminum coil into Mexico have jumped nearly 500% year-to-date compared to 2017, equating to the output of a major U.S. rolling mill.
The Aluminum Association proposed five key steps for a renegotiated USMCA:
1. Implement an Aluminum Import Monitoring (AIM) system in Mexico.
2. Harmonize aluminum tariffs across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
3. Strengthen rules of origin to prevent non-market aluminum from qualifying for preferential treatment.
4. Protect the free flow of aluminum scrap within North America.
5. Apply Section 232 tariffs to downstream products using unfairly traded metal.
Since 2016, members have invested over $11 billion in U.S. operations. Johnson warned that loopholes in the current agreement risk American jobs and production, urging a more enforceable and fair USMCA to safeguard the industry.
POLL
What action should the U.S. take to protect the North American aluminum industry?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What did Charles Johnson emphasize during the USTR USMCA review?
He called for decisive action to curb subsidized Chinese aluminum imports and protect North American jobs, investment, and national security.
- How much have Chinese aluminum coil imports into Mexico increased?
Imports have jumped nearly 500% year-to-date compared to 2017, equivalent to the output of a major U.S. rolling mill.
- What key measures did the Aluminum Association propose for a strengthened USMCA?
The five proposals include: implementing an Aluminum Import Monitoring system in Mexico, harmonizing tariffs, strengthening rules of origin, protecting the free flow of aluminum scrap, and applying Section 232 tariffs to downstream products.
