Alcoa CEO says Trump's aluminum tariffs could cost 100,000 U.S. jobs
According to Bill Oplinger, president and CEO of Alcoa, the Trump administration's proposed 25% tariffs on imported aluminum would be a clear negative for the sector, potentially costing an estimated 100,000 U.S. jobs.
In addition to the possible job losses, the repercussions could also skew global flows of aluminum and raise prices.
“We’re clearly advocating based on the fact that this is bad for the aluminum industry in the U.S., it's bad for American workers,” Oplinger said on Feb. 25 at the he 2025 BMO Global Metals, Mining & Critical Minerals Conference. “We’re advocating with the administration to, at a minimum, get a Canadian exemption.”
The proposed tariffs apply to Mexican and Canadian steel and aluminum, the latter of which is more largely imported. The job loss estimate is based on the 25% rate for Canada, from which Alcoa ships roughly 700,000 tonnes annually to the U.S. Alcoa also expects the 10% tariff on energy and critical minerals would also apply to their products for a total 35% price hike.
Overall, Oplinger noted global aluminum supply would be affected and lead to raised prices.
Oplinger said 20,000 jobs within the aluminum industry would be lost directly, with estimated indirect job losses of 80,000 in the sector.
His position sets him apart from leading steel executives such as Nucor Corp.’s Leon Topalian and Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.’s Lourenco Goncalves, who have stated that the trade measures would level the global playing field.
Check out the full article on Fleet Maintenance affiliate Industry Week.
