[Rio Tinto Imposes Surcharge on U.S. Aluminum Shipments, Trump Tariffs Cause Structural Market Disruption] Jin10 News, November 18 – According to U.S. media reports, Rio Tinto Group is imposing a surcharge on aluminum shipments to the United States, a move that could further disrupt the North American market. This market has already been destabilized by import tariffs, driving up costs for consumers. According to individuals directly familiar with the matter, the Anglo-Australian mining giant is charging additional fees on aluminum orders delivered to the U.S., citing low inventory levels as demand begins to outpace available supply. The U.S. heavily relies on foreign aluminum supplies, as its domestic production capacity is insufficient to meet demand. Canada is its largest foreign supplier, accounting for over 50% of U.S. imports. Sources revealed that the new surcharge adds 1 to 3 cents on top of the Midwest Premium. While the amount may seem small, these surcharges, combined with the Midwest Premium, add an additional $2,006 on top of the raw material price of approximately $2,830 per ton, meaning the premium exceeds 70%. This is even higher than the 50% import tariff imposed by Trump. Consumers and traders describe the market as nearing collapse, and the surcharge is the most evident sign yet of the severe structural impact caused by Trump’s tariffs.