The US Has an Opportunity to Lead on Aluminum

The ongoing crisis in Ukraine presents another reminder of America’s reliance on problematic sources for essential products and materials. We already are experiencing price hikes stemming from sanctions on many Russian companies and commodities. From passenger airplanes to kitchen appliances, aluminum is one of those foundational industrial materials that a modern society needs to function—in addition to being an essential component of many systems used by the U.S. military. Today, the global picture for aluminum is not promising overall—for American interests or values. There is an opportunity for America to take a leading role in more cleanly produced aluminum as part of a long overdue revival of manufacturing. But only if our government is willing to pursue the right incentives and investments here at home.