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AEC Testifies at USMCA Hearing in Washington

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Since the AEC’s last Government Affairs update, the Council participated in the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) hearing held in Washington, DC, from December 3–5. The hearing drew more than 200 participants representing a broad range of perspectives on the future of the agreement. The AEC appeared on a panel immediately following the steel industry, and it was noteworthy how closely aligned many of the challenges facing aluminum extruders are with those impacting steel producers—particularly with respect to trade enforcement, circumvention, and market distortion. These discussions reinforced the importance of maintaining a strong, competitive aluminum extrusion industry and underscored the essential role our sector plays as a supplier of critical inputs across construction, transportation, energy, and numerous other segments of the North American economy. During our testimony, the AEC used the hearing as an opportunity to highlight ongoing concerns regarding trade circumventio...
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Valuation, USMCA, and Fair Trade Priorities

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 The primary focus of our government affairs work at this moment centers on the Section 232 valuation issue currently under discussion in Washington, D.C.  As highlighted during the recent Aluminum Summit and in prior AEC communications, there remains uncertainty regarding how the Administration intends to resolve this matter. The original Executive Order that established the Section 232 aluminum tariffs made clear that the tariffs were intended to apply to the full value of the imported aluminum extrusion, not solely the value of the aluminum content within the product.  At this time, it remains unclear whether the Administration will seek to address the issue by issuing a new Executive Order or by providing additional interpretive guidance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  The AEC is actively monitoring these discussions and will update members as soon as a definitive course of action emerges. Parallel to the valuation discussions, attention is tur...
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Trade Enforcement Still Going Strong

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  We appreciate the participation of everyone who attended the recent Aluminum Summit.  This event welcomed over 350 attendees.  Given the comprehensive program, it is appropriate to summarize the trade-related presentations and discussions.  Robert DeFrancesco of Wiley Rein LLP provided an in-depth analysis of the current trade and tariff environment and its implications for the industry.  His contributions during both the Focus and General Sessions offered valuable insights that are pertinent to all members. The antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders on Chinese aluminum extrusions are still very much in play.  Right now, AD rates range from 32.79% to 86.01%, and CVD rates from 7.37% to 216.61%.  The 14-country case is still under appeal, and there are several legal challenges in motion.  Robert reminded us how important it is to defend the scope of these orders.  Recent rulings confirmed that door thresholds and heat sink man...
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Adjustments to the 232 Tariffs

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 On June 3, 2025, an Executive Order (EO) was issued adjusting the Section 232 tariff on aluminum and aluminum derivative products (DPL) from 25% to 50%.  In addition to the adjustment in the 232 tariff, the EO also contains language that adjusts how the 232 tariff is applied. The following is a summary of the key points.  Aluminum and aluminum derivative products within HTS Ch. 76 and outside HTS Ch. 76: the 50% duty applies only to the aluminum content.  Any non-aluminum content in these products will be subject to the reciprocal tariff (currently at 10%).  This is a change from the February 10, 2025, EO for aluminum and aluminum derivative products in HTS Ch. 76 where the 232 tariff was applied to the full value of the product.  With the most recent EO, the 232 tariff now applies only to the aluminum content and the 10% reciprocal tariff applies to the non-aluminum content.  The current EO also changes how the 232 Auto tariffs, 232 aluminum tariffs ...
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Section 232 Implications: Get the Latest

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 Recently, the AEC released a detailed fact sheet outlining the implications of Section 232 tariffs on aluminum imports, available for review on our website here. This document underscores our ongoing commitment to transparency and informed decision-making within our member base. Previously, we updated the 232 Derivative Products List to include a comprehensive breakdown of HTSUS codes and product descriptions, aimed at providing clarity for our stakeholders accessible here . Additionally, The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) within the Department of Commerce established a formal process for the addition of aluminum products designated the USHTS codes. The first window for submission opened on May 1, 2025, and closed on May 15, 2025. After the posting and public comment period occurs the BIS will make a final determination within 60 days. In addition to these regulatory updates, the Trump Administratio...
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Tariffs Update

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 On April 2, 2025, the Trump administration leveraged the authority granted by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose reciprocal tariffs on imported goods.  View the Executive Order  HERE .  Starting April 5, these tariffs will apply to all imported goods, except those already in transit, and will add to any existing duties or tariffs.  The administration specified an ad valorem rate of 10% and varying tariff rates for goods from specific countries, included in Annex-I, which will be enforced from April 9 onwards.  Exceptions to these tariffs include information materials, humanitarian donations, and certain categories like steel and aluminum subject to Section 232 tariffs.  Additionally, goods from Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Cuba face separate tariff structures, reflecting geopolitical considerations.  Canadian and Mexican products are exempt from these duties, provided they meet U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (US...
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New Tariff Regulations on Aluminum Imports

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 On February 10, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an Executive Order – "Adjusting Imports of Aluminum into the United States".  A fact sheet is available HERE .  With the Executive Order (EO), President Trump announced the elimination of all country exemptions, tariff-rate quotas, and absolute quotas for aluminum imports.  Effective March 12, 2025, all imports of aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles will now be subject to a 25% ad valorem tariff.   This increase from the previous 10% tariff applies to imports from all countries except Russia, which continues to face a 200% tariff.   Furthermore, new derivative aluminum articles will be subject to a 25% tariff, thereby increasing import restrictions.   Currently, the summary of new derivative aluminum products is not available.   Once the list is published, we will distribute it to members.   However, the EO explicitly stated that the entirety of HTS Chapter 76 would be ...
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