Premiums for consumers buying aluminium on the physical market in the United States hit a record 60 cents a lb or $1,323 a metric ton on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed higher tariffs on U.S. imports of the metal.

The tariffs doubled to 50% on Wednesday.

An employee works inside a Nucor steel factory in Blytheville, Arkansas, U.S., March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Karen Pulfer Focht

The U.S. Midwest duty-paid premium has gained nearly 190% since Trump was elected in November for his second term as president.

U.S. consumers buying aluminium on the physical market usually pay the London Metal Exchange (LME) benchmark price plus a premium to cover costs including freight and taxes.

The U.S. is heavily reliant on aluminium imports, with the vast majority from Canada.