Letter to the Editor:
In his letter “Aluminum Tariffs Harm U.S. Manufacturers” (Sept. 3), Joe Donovan argues that U.S. aluminum manufacturers are harmed by the very national security tariff that is rebuilding domestic primary aluminum manufacturing.
Mr. Donovan writes that “tariffs on primary aluminum won’t build a single smelter in the U.S.” This isn’t the case. In reality, the Section 232 program is resulting in a significant investment in America’s metals industry. This multibillion investment in America will double U.S. primary aluminum production and is creating 5,000 new American jobs.
Canada isn’t the solution. Canada’s aluminum industry benefits from government subsidies and subsidized electricity, while U.S. aluminum producers adhere to free-market principles.
Domestic production of primary aluminum provides the foundational metal needed to produce the military-grade aluminum that underpins mission-critical weapons systems and defense equipment. Relying solely on recycled metal weakens our national security. With the Iran conflict raging, we can’t afford to overlook the strategic importance of rebuilding U.S.
supply chains.
Mark Duffy
American Primary Aluminum Assoc.
Washington