The assessment that the imposition of duties on imports by the Trump government will probably create a “hole” on the market, as “everyone will postpone something, everyone will be waiting” and delays are already causing delays in the implementation of business planning, its chairman and chief executive Alumil, George Mylonas.
The main issue now, as Mr Mylonas points out, is how this gap will be filled -an issue that concerns not only Greece, but also the other countries in which Alumil operates.
Specifically referring to the aluminum industry, he stresses that in the field of raw materials, the US is dependent on imports due to limited productive units, while on the field of Commodity (standardized), Mr Mylonas clarifies that products of this type are particularly sensitive.
However, he noted that Alumil is not active in the US market with Commodity products, but with high innovation and value -added architectural frames.
Concerning Europe, Mr Mylonas warns that China is expected to step up its pressure in the metal sector, which will affect many European countries, noting that Alumil is closely monitoring developments, constantly enhancing its competitiveness with products and processes.
Referring to the decade of the economic crisis and the period of pandemic, Mr Mylonas highlights the importance of the extroversion and flexibility strategy followed by the company, which he typically led to the people of Alumil to be in such a position that “we can adapt to any markets”.
He also stresses that even high tariff charges, such as 26% in India, do not work deterrent when you can be “better than others”.
“You want an innovation to create serious added value to your product, so that you can turn to international markets,” says Mr Mylonas, who recently participated in the 10th Delphi Economic Forum, at the “Competitive Edge in Global Trade Markets” dialogue table.
Alumil, she says, continues to invest in new technologies, human resources and innovative products, with the aim of developing international development and maintaining its leadership position in the aluminum industry. Despite the challenges, demand remains strong, stresses Mr Mylonas. In Europe, for example, it is estimated that 2.5 million houses are missing. This environment creates opportunities for the construction industry, enhancing the positive outlook for businesses such as Alumil.
“Through extroversion and with local production units in strategic markets, Alumil remains flexible and competitive even in an environment of geopolitical and economic challenges,” Mr Mylonas notes, noting that although the company is not one of its purely exports, 90% of its total exports.
Source: RES-EIA