The Aluminum Association has issued its response to the news of President Donald Trump’s aluminium tariffs. 

Trump has issued a 25% tariff across the board on imports of the metal into the United States.

Charles Johnson, president & CEO of the Aluminum Association, said: “We appreciate President Trump’s continued focus on strong trade actions to support the aluminium industry in the United States. During his first term, the president was early to recognise the genuine threat that non-market actors pose to U.S. manufacturing industries like ours. 

“These actions helped lead to more than $10 billion in industry investment since 2016. In order for these investments to be successful and for American firms to make the cars, trucks, beverage cans, fighter jets, body armour and more that our industry provides, we need ready and affordable access to metal. 

“Today, there is not enough smelting capacity in the United States to supply the growing aluminium industry with the input materials it needs.

“To ensure that American aluminium wins the future, President Trump should secure access to the aluminium metal supply needed for American manufacturers, while continuing to take every possible action at the U.S. border against unfairly traded aluminium from China and elsewhere. 

“This is consistent with action his administration wisely took during his first term and we are confident he will take again.”