Aboud: Do the latest aluminum tariffs go far enough?

Aluminum has received a lot of attention in Washington, D.C. over the past few years. Politicians have realized that aluminum is a critical mineral to our country’s infrastructure and national defense and is also a key enabler to the green energy transition away from fossil fuels.

Aluminum’s entrance into modern day politics started with President Trump’s Section 232 duties, which have been reinforced and even strengthened under President Biden. While Section 232 is undoubtedly a broad tool that initially covered aluminum imports from allied countries, over the years several exemptions and exclusions have been granted to enable a well-functioning market.