The American aluminum industry is showing signs of resurgence after decades of decline, driven by national security concerns, supply chain vulnerabilities and growing competition from China.
Aluminum is no longer considered a simple industrial input; it is increasingly seen as a strategic material linked to defense readiness, manufacturing sector resilience and long-term economic security.
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Jesse Gary, CEO of Century Aluminum, joined FOX Business’ Cheryl Casone on “Mornings with Maria” to discuss the growing role aluminum plays in the U.S. economy and national security.
An American worker loading an aluminum coil onto a truck at a manufacturing plant. (Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)
He said aluminum’s importance extends far beyond consumer goods, touching nearly every aspect of American life and national defense.
“It’s really everywhere,” Gary said.
He highlighted its role in homes, vehicles, aeronautical and military systems.
“Tank armor is made of aluminum…it makes up the bulkheads of our fighter jets, the missile booster is made of aluminum…aluminum truly serves as the backbone of this country.”
The vulnerability of global supply chains has increased the urgency, with Gary warning that today the aluminum network has little room for disruption.
“Right now we are in a situation where the supply chain is very thin,” he said. “A fire in an individual factory could have consequences across the entire supply chain, where you lose production all the way down the supply chain. system, in consumer productsetc.”
Policy changes have also played a role in encouraging domestic investment. Gary said that American aluminum industry went from dozens of foundries to just a handful before the tariffs took effect.
“Before President Trump came to power in his first mandate, the aluminum industry in the United States was on its knees,” he said, adding that production began to increase after trade protections were put in place.
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Beyond production itself, large industrial projects can reshape entire regions. Gary said new capabilities have the potential to create long-term industrial clusters, attracting related businesses and sustainable jobs for generations.
“These are the types of investments … that have resonated for decades in these communities,” he said. “We expect the smelter to operate for over 50 years, hopefully even 100 years.”
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