Moment of respite
Image: Rizaiart/stock.adobe.com
The UK’s aluminium industry is breathing a slight sigh of relief at the news that the US scrapped its 25 per cent on aluminium imports from the country recently, after the announcement came that a new trade agreement had been struck.
UK Steel director deneral Gareth Stace commented that “The UK government’s cool-headed approach and perseverance in negotiating with the US clearly paid off.”
The Aluminium Federation has also expressed that the deal is a “welcome” one, but that other critical challenges still remain. A note from ALFED on the subject states:
Despite its strategic value to decarbonisation, manufacturing, infrastructure, and defence, aluminium remains largely absent from national debate and industrial policymaking. ALFED is urging greater visibility and recognition of the sector’s contribution and future potential.
“This is a chance for the UK to treat aluminium as more than a commodity,” said ALFED’s CEO, Nadine Bloxsome. “It is a critical enabler of the circular economy, net zero transition, and global competitiveness. We are committed to working with Government to deliver a resilient and future-ready aluminium industry.”
There is definitely more work to be done to recognise both aluminium and steel as crucial materials for a sustainable future. We also cannot forget that ten per cent duties still apply to most goods entering the US from the UK.
The full details of the UK-US trade deal remain to be seen.
- Alex Rivers (she/her), CanTech International editor
Keep in touch via email: [email protected] Twitter: @CanTechIntl or LinkedIn: CanTech International magazine
