US-imposed 50% tariffs on aluminium and reduced Middle East smelting output have driven duty-paid premiums higher in Europe and the US Midwest. European premiums reached $621 per metric ton after a 73% increase, while the US Midwest premium hit $1.16 per pound. Canadian producers are directing supply toward Europe rather than the US market.
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“Canada turns from US to Europe as Iran war propels aluminium higher”
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Tariffs and Middle East conflict jointly raise costs for workers and consumers while concentrating gains among traders and large producers.
“Protectionism and militarization externalize costs onto downstream users and the climate.”
US tariffs fragment allied supply chains and amplify price spikes when external disruptions occur.
“Policy measures intended to protect domestic producers instead harm American manufacturers.”
Tariffs distort voluntary trade and force producers to reroute goods around government barriers rather than market signals.
“Interventions override comparative advantage and reduce overall efficiency.”
All three views accept reported premium spikes and tariff effects without independent verification of capacity losses or alternative drivers such as demand recovery.
“Narrative pairs tariff with conflict to imply policy failure while omitting China, sanctions mechanics, and potential supply responses.”
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