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...

 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...

 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 ...

 Since our last newsletter, the AEC has reconstituted a Fair Trade Committee (FTC).  This committee is actively engaged in monitoring and engaging with the incoming administration regarding the potential expansion of the 232 Tariffs and the upcoming U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) renegotiations.  The FTC remains committed to defending the current China I orders and monitoring import activity for aluminum extruded products entering the U.S.  This committee is composed of a broad base of aluminum extruders, and we encourage anyone interested in these activities to inquire about joining the FTC.  Additionally, prior to the holidays, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) office within the Department of Commerce (DOC) published the latest determinations on 232 Exclusion Requests.  To date, there have been 448 requests filed, representing 203 million pounds of aluminum extrusions.  Of these requests, 306 (96 million pounds) have been denied, 14 (1....

 On December 3, 2024, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) took action in issuing a forced labor finding against Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L. (“Kingtom”).  This victory for U.S. extruders is a culmination of years of effort between the AEC and United Steel Workers (USW), which started with the initial Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) allegation filed in 2019.  As a result of this finding, CBP has authorized all port directors to seize imports of aluminum extrusions from Kingtom.   For almost 15 years the Aluminum Extrusion Fair Trade Committee (AEFTC) has worked on a wide variety of trade activities.  In defending the China I case, the AEFTC has navigated the 232 Tariffs and has worked with other organizations on EAPA allegations, along with circumvention and transshipment issues.  Thank you to all who have contributed time and resources over the years!  However, there will be more work to do.  With a new administration and 2025 fast approa...

 No matter what side of the Presidential election you were in favor of, we knew the Administration was going to change.  For the AEC and Government Affairs we can find opportunities in these changes and work towards advancing our position with a new Administration and Congress.  The AEC is actively monitoring any potential changes, which could affect our efforts related to the 232/301 Tariffs, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grant Funding, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Global Arrangement Negotiations and other items of interest.  On October 30, the International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to rescind the tariffs on aluminum extruded products determined by the Department of Commerce (DOC).  As we all know, the tariffs imposed under the China I case have played a major role in protecting the domestic industry and the hope was for this new case to increase the protections.  Unfortunately, that was not the case.  However, as we look forw...