Bill would initiate investigations into US aluminum scrap exports

On June 4, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Secure Aluminum Supply Chains Act, which would direct the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to investigate the national and economic security risks posed by U.S. aluminum scrap exports to adversarial nations.

"Michigan workers know that strong supply chains are the foundation of a strong manufacturing economy."

"We cannot sit back and let strategic materials that power American manufacturing to flow to competitors actively working to undercut our industries. If scrap aluminum is helping China strengthen its industrial base while our manufacturers face supply challenges, Congress needs to know."

The legislation also requires the USITC to consult with domestic aluminum producers, metals recyclers and organized labor to ensure the report includes the perspectives of American workers and manufacturers.

“As the largest union in the aluminum sector, the United Steelworkers (USW) knows that scrap metal is a vital part of our aluminum supply chain,” says USW International President Roxanne Brown. “We thank Rep. Stevens for her work pushing for a better understanding of how scrap exports impact our economic and national security. Aluminum production consumes approximately 5 percent of electricity generated in the United States, making this examination of scrap aluminum needed, common-sense policy.”