Supply Chain Research

The CEO of Norsk Hydro, Svein Richard Brandtzaeg, has warned that U.S. protectionism – as well as its own production issues in Brazil – could result in a global aluminum shortage. Brazilian exports of all aluminum products fell 8% in the three months to February 28 sequentially. U.S. section 232 duties took effect from March 29, though Brazil has been temporarily exempted from them. That may give producers there an advantage over Russia’s Rusal, which the U.S. has applied sanctions against. Yet, 63% of Brazil’s raw aluminum exports go to Japan – led by Norsk Hydro’s local subsidiary – wh...