Canadian aluminium producers have rapidly redirected exports from the United States to Europe after the US imposed tariffs of up to 50%, causing a dramatic surge in Canadian metal shipments to European markets during 2025.
The shift is most notable among Quebec’s producers, who supply about 90% of Canada’s aluminium. The US share of Quebec’s exports fell to 78% in Q2 2025 from 95% in Q1, while Europe’s share soared to 18% from just 0.2%, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence[2]. Companies like Rio Tinto, Alcoa, and Aluminerie Alouette have led this pivot—Alouette, for instance, sent 57% of its output to Europe in Q2, up from 4% previously[1]. Alcoa alone diverted more than 100,000 metric tonnes to Europe in the quarter.
Key European destinations now include the Netherlands (11,800 tonnes imported April–May), Italy (25,500 tonnes), and Germany[1][3]. European buyers welcome these Canadian shipments for their high quality and lower carbon footprint compared to global alternatives, as well as the opportunity to diversify supply and benefit from competitive prices[1].
The underlying cause is the US decision to reinstate a 25% tariff on Canadian aluminium in March 2025—then double it to 50% in June[1][2][3]. This has pushed the US Midwest premium (the local price above the global benchmark) up by 82% since June, making deliveries from Canada financially unviable for many US buyers, while European warehouse premiums have dropped due to the influx of Canadian supply.
Jean Simard, president of the Aluminium Association of Canada, said: “It’s an easy call. You ship anything you can to Europe. As the price builds up into the US, you can expect metal to come back to the US market.”