Canadian aluminium producers have stepped up exports to the United States in recent weeks, responding to stronger physical market prices following the 50% import tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump earlier this year. 

Analysts note that the higher premiums have made U.S. sales more attractive again for Canadian suppliers.

The tariffs, implemented in June, were designed to stimulate domestic aluminium production and attract fresh investment across sectors such as power, construction, and packaging—all of which rely heavily on the lightweight metal.

At first, many Canadian smelters redirected supply to European buyers to offset weaker U.S. demand. However, with U.S. aluminium inventories dwindling, trade flows are now shifting back across the border to meet renewed demand from American manufacturers.

“We’re seeing a gradual rebound in aluminium deliveries to the U.S., though volumes haven’t yet returned to full strength,” said Jean Simard, President and CEO of the Aluminum Association of Canada, speaking to Reuters.

Simard referred to September and October shipments, which have yet to appear in official trade data. Last year, Canada exported 2.7 million metric tons of aluminium to the United States—accounting for roughly 70% of total U.S. aluminium imports, according to Trade Data Monitor.

For end users purchasing metal on the spot market, prices are calculated based on the London Metal Exchange (LME) benchmark—currently around $2,750 per tonne—plus the Midwest premium, which reflects costs such as freight, handling, and applicable taxes.

The recent increase in cross-border flows highlights the continuing interdependence of North American aluminium markets and underscores how policy decisions can quickly reshape global trade dynamics, particularly for industries like beverage packaging, where aluminium demand remains strong.