British Columbia's co-ordinating minister for US-BC tariff relations says smelter operators of the BC Works aluminum smelter, located in northern BC, believe it will locate non-U.S. markets for its product.
Ravi Kahlon said the premier had a meeting with Rio Tinto, and the company feels it has "a pretty good level of confidence" it will find fresh markets for the aluminum produced at the Kitimat facility in a "reasonably short period of time.".
Kahlon said the government has been working with Rio Tinto and others in determining how to move B.C. products out of province since the minute tariffs were proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
He said U.S. tariffs will "short term" have an impact, but said the province is comfortable knowing new buyers will be found — and he said aluminum in particular will be in demand.
Just before US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including Canadian products, Kahlon addressed reporters.
It was a week after Trump temporarily held off plans to hit Canada and Mexico with sweeping 25 percent tariffs on goods and a lower 10 percent levy on Canadian energy.
It has been reported on its website that Rio Tinto's aluminum smelter and hydropower facility in Kitimat was one of the largest contributors to B.C.'s manufacturing GDP in 2023.
CMI Research: Key Aluminium Industry Insights
Aluminium industry, based on the Coherent Market Insights, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% between 2024 and 2031 considering the increasing demand from end-use industries. In 2024, it was estimated at US$ 244.79 Bn and is likely to rise at around US$ 380.40 Bn at the end of the year 2031.
Analyst Opinion: Strategic Role in Aluminium Industry Growth
The building and construction industry will prove to be the biggest user of aluminium, considering the increasing proliferation of infrastructure development across developing economies, said Yash Doshi, a senior management consultant.
Conclusion: Business Takeaways
The aluminum industry is seeing much change, especially with new markets and shifting trade policies. Focus from B.C. towards the sourcing of new aluminum markets underscores the increasing pressure on corporations to adjust to shifting tarriffs and international trade dynamics. Latest developments on signed tariffs by President Trump mean businesses need to be flexible, finding their alternative markets while necessarily staying nimble in supply chains. Businesses that make the right moves will come out with a competitive edge in a global, tariff-affected landscape.
