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U.S. Aluminum Production In Steep Decline

The American company now known as Alcoa first commercialized aluminum production more than 100 years ago. That grew into a thriving industry employing tens of thousands of workers around the country. Stiff competition from China and other parts of the world has decimated this sector of American manufacturing.

Reporter

  • Tom Banse, regional correspondent for the Northwest News Network, part of the Here & Now Contributors Network. He tweets @TomBanse.

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Alcoa smelter workers commiserate at their union hall in East Wenatchee, Washington; from left Kelley Woodard, Kirk Peterson, Clayton Verellen and Chris Morales. (Tom Banse/Northwest News Network)
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Alcoa smelter workers commiserate at their union hall in East Wenatchee, Washington; from left Kelley Woodard, Kirk Peterson, Clayton Verellen and Chris Morales. (Tom Banse/Northwest News Network)
File photo of Alcoa's Intalco Works smelter near Ferndale, Washington, which continues to operate for now. (Tore Oftness/Alcoa)
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File photo of Alcoa's Intalco Works smelter near Ferndale, Washington, which continues to operate for now. (Tore Oftness/Alcoa)