Aluminum producers in Quebec are diverting more of the metal used to make cans and car parts to Europe as rising US tariffs make their shipments more expensive for American customers.
The US accounted for 78% of Quebec aluminum exports in the second quarter versus 95% in the first quarter, while Europe’s share rose to 18% from 0.2%, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.
The data are the latest indication of the disruptive impact of tariffs on the flow of goods in North America’s highly integrated market. US President Donald Trump first reinstated a 25% tariff on aluminum imports in March, then doubled the levy in June.
Sprawling processing plants owned by Rio Tinto Group, Alcoa Corp. and Aluminerie Alouette Inc. mean Quebec represents about 90% of Canada’s aluminum-making capacity, with the US as the province’s natural buyer given the close proximity.
Rio Tinto and Alcoa didn’t…
