Press Release

Montreal, Thursday, May 21, 2026 – Gathered in Montreal for AluQuébec’s Annual General Meeting, stakeholders from across the aluminum industry came together to discuss the challenges currently facing SMEs in the sector amid ongoing U.S. tariffs and the growing presence of imports from non-market economies within the Canadian market.

The event was held in the presence of Carlos Leitão, Member of Parliament for Marc‑Aurèle-Fortin and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), who announced a non-repayable contribution of $1,485,000 for AluQuébec under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). This funding will, among other things, enable the cluster to launch different initiatives aimed at supporting market diversification for aluminum SMEs, including strategic studies on promising markets such as defence, as well as the organization of pan-Canadian missions to stimulate inter-provincial collaborations and the development of new business opportunities.

“Aluminum SMEs play a strategic role in the Quebec and Canadian manufacturing economy. In the current climate, it is essential to give them the means to accelerate their diversification and position themselves on strategic markets such as defence. The support announced today will enable AluQuébec to pursue its work to mobilize and guide businesses in the sector,” indicated Carlos Leitão, Member of Parliament for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED.

Release of the 2025 Aluminum Transformation Barometer

As part of its Annual General Meeting, AluQuébec also unveiled the key findings of the 9th edition of the Aluminum Transformation Barometer, produced in collaboration with STIQ.

The report shows that SMEs in the sector are being hit harder than the broader Quebec manufacturing average by the economic slowdown and current trade tensions.

Among the key findings:

• 84% of surveyed companies report negative impacts related to U.S. tariffs;
• 77% are experiencing declining orders and 67% report shrinking profit margins;
• Companies in the sector are more likely than the manufacturing average to have experienced declines in revenue, profitability, and workforce levels in 2025;
• 57% of SMEs employ temporary foreign workers, and two-thirds of those companies report being affected by recent regulatory restrictions;
• Despite the current environment, 79% of companies plan to invest in productivity improvements and 89% intend to develop new markets or new clients in 2026.

The Barometer also highlights the adaptability of Quebec aluminum companies, which are investing more heavily than businesses in other manufacturing sectors in productivity, automation, and market diversification in order to strengthen their competitiveness amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.

The event also provided an opportunity to unveil the first key findings of a study examining defence market opportunities for Quebec aluminum companies. The initiative aims to identify industrial capabilities that can help meet growing needs related to strategic infrastructure.

“In the current context, collaboration between companies has become essential. A cluster like AluQuébec helps mobilize the ecosystem, create tangible synergies, and support SMEs in collectively positioning themselves for the markets of tomorrow,” said Éloïse Harvey, Chair of the Board of Directors of AluQuébec and CEO of EPIQ Machinery.

“Beyond tariff-related issues, Quebec SMEs must also contend with growing pressure from imports originating from non-market economies, which further weakens the competitiveness of local transformers and equipment manufacturers. In this context, it is essential to accelerate the positioning of our companies in strategic sectors such as defence, infrastructure, and industrial sovereignty,” said Charlotte Laramée, President and CEO of AluQuébec.

About AluQuébec

AluQuébec is the industrial cluster representing and mobilizing SMEs across Quebec’s aluminum value chain. By bringing together the ecosystem around structuring initiatives, the organization supports business growth, stimulates innovation, and promotes greater use of aluminum. AluQuébec acts as a catalyst to strengthen the position of Quebec aluminum in strategic markets and generate long-term economic benefits for Quebec and Canada.

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Source: AluQuébec

Media Contact:
Léa Guicheteau
Vice-President, Strategy and Public Affairs
[email protected]
+1 (514) 550-7494