The tariff war ramps up
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Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on imports of aluminium and steel have officially come into play, with tensions escalating globally.
The EU has retaliated with its own countermeasures on up to €26 billion worth of US goods, while Canada has also hit back, imposing 25 per cent on almost $30bn in imports from the US, which includes steel products worth $12.6bn and aluminium products worth $3bn, as well as additional imported US goods worth $14.2bn.
In the US, the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and its members are asking for targeted tariff relief to ensure the US can keep up with domestic demand and continue to brand cans as truly ‘Made in America.’
The Aluminum Association provided measured support for Trump’s “focus and attention on growing and strengthening” the US aluminium industry, however emphasised that for the growth to continue, the “industry needs two things – long-term market certainty and a reliable supply of affordable metal, which today comes in large part from Canada.”
What the UK action on the tariffs is, is yet to be fully determined, with prime minister Kier Starmer stating in parliament that Britain will “negotiate an economic deal” with the US, while keeping “all options on the table.”
However, Aluminium Federation (ALFED) members in the UK have already reported early signs of market disruption. These include a noticeable slowdown in US orders, apprehension around potential contract losses, and concerns that semi-finished aluminium products originally destined for the US could be diverted into the UK market. The most recent ALFED stance and comments from CEO Nadine Bloxsome can be read here.
No doubt this topic will be under scrutiny at CanTech the Grand Tour, which takes place in just over two weeks now, uniting the metal packaging industry under one roof and igniting crucial business and regulatory discussions. The conference lineup is certain to offer unmissable insights into the future of the industry, and the tabletop sessions will provide the chance to hear about the latest technologies, sustainable solutions and developments. Can makers can now register for free access to all the event has to offer (excluding hotel and gala dinner fees) at cantechthegrandtour.com.
The agenda is now live and is also being emailed out to those registered.
I’m also looking forward to welcoming MPMA’s Jason Galley, Steel for Packaging Europe’s Richard Lézé and Ball Corporation’s Predrag Ozmo to the panel event on 2 April which I will co-chair with Cape Decision’s Dominique Huret. We’ll be discussing collaboration and shared visions of circularity within the industry.
- Alex Rivers (she/her), CanTech International editor
Keep in touch via email: [email protected], LinkedIn: CanTech International magazine or X: @CanTechIntl
