The aluminum industry has been lobbying the White House to block imports of Russian aluminum into the United States, citing the threat of increased Russian influence and market manipulation in the sector. The lobbying effort, led by aluminum giant Alcoa, is part of a broader U.S.
effort to pressure Russia over its military intervention in Ukraine and to counter what the aluminum industry sees as an existential threat to its domestic market. Alcoa has been at the forefront of the lobbying effort, arguing that Russian aluminum firms have been manipulating the global market, distorting prices and threatening U.S. jobs. The company has urged the White House to impose a 10 percent tariff on imports of Russian aluminum, in addition to existing sanctions.
The aluminum industry has also argued that allowing Russian aluminum into the U.S. could lead to increased Russian influence in the aluminum market, leading to higher prices for consumers and a decrease in the competitiveness of U.S. aluminum producers. The Trump Administration is reportedly considering a range of import restrictions on Russian aluminum, including quotas and duties. It is also weighing whether to impose tariffs on aluminum imports from other countries, such as China, as a way to protect U.S. producers.
The aluminum industry has been pushing the White House to take action, warning that the U.S. economy could suffer if it fails to protect its domestic industry. The aluminum sector has been hit hard by the global economic downturn, with U.S. aluminum production falling by more than 40 percent since 2000.
