Aluminium sector breathes a sigh of relief as US tariffs exempt the critical mineral

THE aluminium sector has said it was relieved to be seem exempted from the sweeping 30% tariffs on products announced by US President Donald Trump, which exempts strategic minerals under which aluminium falls.

- BANELE GININDZA

A minimum reduction in South Africa (AFSA), on Thursday said while he was yet to assess the actual executive order, it appears that aluminium was exempted, which was in line with the sector’s confidence the US had shortage of the mineral.

“As it stands now, we have not been slapped with the additional tariffs, if anything, we have been exempted because the US faces certain issues with aluminium,” Manzi said.

“It is classified as a strategic mineral, along with some other commodities. The only thing that could have an effect is if demand in that market lowered because of the inflationary impact of the duty on production costs.”

South Africa predominantly exports primary aluminium and semi-fabricated products such as aluminium plates, sheets, and foil.