Africa's leading aluminum-producing nations could face increased competition in the U.S. market after President Donald Trump unveiled a new incentive programme designed to expand domestic aluminum production and reduce America's reliance on foreign supply.
The latest White House proclamation, signed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, directs the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish a programme encouraging companies to build, expand or modernize aluminum smelters across the United States.
Rather than imposing new tariffs, the proclamation offers participating companies a powerful incentive.
Firms that commit to approved onshoring plans will be allowed to import a corresponding volume of primary aluminum at half of the standard Section 232 tariff rate, provided they meet their investment commitments. Companies that fail to deliver on their plans risk losing those tariff benefits.
The move forms part of the Trump administration's broader effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity in industries considered critical to national and economic security.
