American aluminium smelter Century Aluminum yesterday praised President Joe Biden for his decision to retain the Section 232 aluminium tariffs on the United Arab Emirates.
Earlier this week the Biden Administration reversed a last-minute reprieve for the UAE issued by the outgoing Trump Administration exempting it from the tariffs imposed across the board by the administration in 2018.
Century Aluminum contends that keeping aluminium imports from the UAE subject to Section 232 tariffs protects both the domestic aluminium industry and the national security of the United States. The firm is one of the only aluminium smelters in the country that produces specialized aluminium alloys for use in the defense industry.
Michael Bless, President and CEO of Century Aluminum, said in a press release that the Section 232 tariffs help to even the odds between domestic aluminium smelters and aluminium exporters.
“We commend President Biden’s decisive action to maintain tariffs on aluminum imports from the UAE as part of the Section 232 program. The Biden Administration is clearly committed to rebuilding domestic manufacturing and protecting thousands of American aluminum jobs. President Biden’s proclamation will keep the playing field level for America’s primary aluminum industry and our great American workers.”
“This action is an important step towards maintaining this essential US supply chain capability and for keeping our diverse workforce employed in family-supporting jobs,” he went on. “On behalf of our employees and the communities they represent, I want to thank President Biden and his team for their continued support of the Section 232 program as we work together to Build Back Better.”
Century Aluminum is currently the most prolific smelter of aluminium in the United States.