Rio Tinto(US:RIO) 智通财经网·2025-08-28 12:56Core Viewpoint - The imposition of a 50% tariff on aluminum imports by the Trump administration has forced Rio Tinto to alter its strategy, opting to purchase aluminum from competitors within the U.S. rather than exporting its own products from Canada [1][2][5] Group 1: Company Strategy - Rio Tinto has shifted to sourcing aluminum ingots from the U.S. market, purchasing at least 50,000 tons since June, primarily from competitors like Alcoa, Emirates Global Aluminum, and Century Aluminum [2] - The company previously exported 723,000 tons of aluminum to the U.S. in the first half of the year, most of which was shipped before the tariff was enacted [2] - The tariffs have resulted in significant costs for Rio Tinto, amounting to $321 million in the first half of the year due to the tariffs imposed on Canadian aluminum products [5] Group 2: Market Impact - The U.S. aluminum price has risen significantly, with the Midwest premium increasing by 81% since early June, indicating that the market is reacting strongly to the tariff policies [3] - Canada accounts for 53% of U.S. aluminum imports, making it the largest source, and the tariffs have disrupted the integrated North American metal market [5] - The U.S. aluminum industry is facing capacity constraints, with only four smelters currently operational, which limits domestic supply and increases reliance on dwindling inventories [5]