Trump Executive Order Cuts Tariffs for Century Aluminum’s Oklahoma Smelter
Event summary
- Century Aluminum and EGA plan a $750,000-tonne Oklahoma smelter, the largest U.S. primary aluminum investment ever.
- Trump’s executive order halves tariffs for approved companies investing in new U.S. aluminum production.
- The project will add 1,000 direct jobs and 4,000 construction jobs in Oklahoma.
- Century is also expanding capacity at its Mt. Holly plant, increasing U.S. output by ~10% and adding 150 jobs.
The big picture
This executive order aligns with Trump’s ‘America First’ manufacturing agenda, providing a direct subsidy to Century’s expansion. The move underscores the strategic importance of aluminum for defense and aerospace sectors, where supply chain security is critical. Century’s Oklahoma smelter could reshape U.S. production capacity, but its success hinges on sustained policy support and operational execution.
What we're watching
- Tariff Impact
- How the reduced tariffs will affect Century’s cost structure and competitiveness.
- Execution Risk
- The pace at which Century can scale production in Oklahoma amid labor and supply chain constraints.
- Industry Shift
- Whether this policy spurs broader domestic aluminum investment beyond Century’s projects.