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Statement on Trade

Australian Aluminium Council

Bauxite, alumina and aluminium are globally traded and there are interdependencies in these supply chains.

A key concern is the potential for the distortion of international trade flows, which disrupt efficient market operations and increase the risk of trade diversion.

We are working to understand the impact of both aluminium specific and differentiated national tariffs on Australia’s aluminium trade.

We welcome the Australian Government’s clear Statement of Expectations for the Anti-Dumping Commission, which plays a critical role in protecting Australian manufacturers from unfair trade practices and recognises the increased risks faced by Australian manufacturing at this time.

Amid global uncertainty in the sector, the industry reiterates its call for the inclusion of bauxite, alumina and aluminium to Australia’s Critical Minerals list. This alignment with key trading partners would send a clear signal that Australia is committed to safeguarding its vital role in the global supply chain.

We will continue working with the Australian government and its representatives on this important issue.

Key Facts:

• Aluminium is Australia’s top manufacturing export.
• The industry directly employs more than 21,000 people and indirectly supports a further 55,000 families predominantly in regional Australia.
• The integrated industry contributes around $18 B to Australia’s GDP.
• On average, Australia exports < 10% of its 1.5 Mt aluminium production to the US each year.
• Australia accounts for an average of about 2.5 % of total US imports of aluminium (by volume).
• Key competitor nations, export destinations and trade are summarised in this 2023 Trade Factsheet.
• US Aluminium Trade Data is publicly available from the Global Aluminium Trade Monitor.

About us:

The Australian Aluminium Council (the Council) represents Australia’s bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and downstream processing industries. The aluminium industry has been operating in Australia since 1955, and over the decades has been a significant contributor to the national economy. It includes six mines which collectively produce over 100 Mt per annum making Australia one of the world’s largest producers of bauxite. Australia is the world’s largest exporter of alumina with five alumina refineries producing around 18 Mt per annum of alumina. Australia is the seventh largest producer of aluminium, with four aluminium smelters and additional downstream processing industries including more than 20 extrusion presses. Aluminium is Australia’s highest earning manufacturing export. The industry directly employs more than 20,000 people. It also indirectly supports a further 55,000 families predominantly in regional Australia at pay rates 60% above the national manufacturing average. The industry contributes more than A$18 billion to Australia’s economy with annual export revenue in excess of A$15 billion.

Contact details:

Marghanita Johnson, CEO,
Australian Aluminium Council,

+61 (0)466 224 636 

[email protected]