Attributable to Marghanita Johnson, CEO, Australian Aluminium Council
- Bauxite, alumina and aluminium are globally traded and there are interdependencies in these supply chains.
- We are working to understand the impact of both differentiated national and the recently revised aluminium specific tariff on Australia’s aluminium trade. A key concern is the potential for the distortion of international trade flows, which disrupt efficient market operations and increase the risk of trade diversion.
- On 2 April we welcomed the Australian Government’s clear Statement of Expectations for the Anti-Dumping Commission, which plays a critical role in protecting Australian manufacturers from unfair trade practices and recognises the increased risks faced by Australian manufacturing at this time. We seek a reiteration of this Statement from the new Minister for Industry, as a first step in long overdue reforms to ensure Australia’s manufacturers can continue to compete in the face of uneven global competition and high risk of trade diversion.
- Amid global uncertainty in the sector, the industry also reiterates its call for the inclusion of bauxite, alumina and aluminium to Australia’s Critical Minerals list. This alignment with key trading partners would send a clear signal that Australia is committed to safeguarding its vital role in the global supply chain.
- We will continue working with the Australian government and its representatives on this important issue.
Industry Facts:
- Aluminium is Australia’s top manufacturing export.
- The industry directly employs more than 21,000 people and indirectly supports a further 55,000 families predominantly in regional Australia.
- The integrated industry contributes around $18 B to Australia’s GDP.
- On average, Australia exports < 10% of its 1.5 Mt aluminium production to the US each year.
- Australia accounts for an average of about 2.5 % of total US imports of aluminium (by volume).
- Key competitor nations, export destinations and trade are summarised in this 2024 Trade Factsheet.
- US Aluminium Trade Data is publicly available from the Global Aluminium Trade Monitor.
