Chicago$-$based Century Aluminum Co$.$ predicted that the new tariffs would strengthen the U$.$S$.$ supply chain and make the country less reliant on unfriendly countries...

"A thriving domestic aluminum market is essential to today's U$.$S$.$ national security," Century said.

Pittsburgh$-$based Alcoa Corp. said the tariffs are a good first step, but called for sanctions against Russian aluminum that would effectively make it illegal to buy or sell Russian aluminum in the U$.$S$...$

Analysts and company executives said they don't expect a repeat of the $2018$ price surge when the new $200\%$ duty on Russian aluminum takes effect on March $10.$ They said the Biden administration has been telegraphing the move for months, giving the aluminum industry time to adjust to the duty. Imported aluminum from Russia already carries a $10\%$ tariff put in place by the Trump administration in $2018."$U$.$S$.$ market participants weren't surprised by the announcement," said Christopher Davis, regional pricing director for Americas metals at S&P Global Commodity Insights. "They said the increased tariffs were unlikely to have a significant impact on U$.$S$.$ pricing."

Which of the following best describes the arguments made by US aluminum companies?

US aluminum companies are seeking to increase consumer surplus.

US aluminum companies are seeking to lower aluminum prices for consumers.

US aluminum companies are seeking to increase producer surplus.

US aluminum companies are seeking to protect the national security of the country.