Well, in case you missed it, a group of Aluminum Extruders Council members filed a historic AD/CVD case against 15 countries. All 15 countries will be sued for dumping (AD), and four will be sued for subsidies (CVD). In a press release issued earlier this week, which you can read here, the countries were identified as well as the projected duties the coalition seeks.
Anyone within the four walls of the Aluminum Extruders Council knew this was coming. It has been discussed for four years. To address rising imports, we battled in the enforcement arena, we went hard after products under assault in scope challenges and worked hard on the 232. After exhausting every available option, and never seeing a dent in the import stats, we were faced with this hard decision. That is where we are today. The Hearing will be held later this month, and decisions will start to be rendered in the weeks that follow. Communications about the details of this case will be handled by the Coalition, who have committed to underwriting the first two years of expenses in this case, and those that donate to the effort. If you are interested in joining the coalition or donating to the effort, please contact me at jhenderson@tso.net.
Meanwhile, we continue to manage an active China case. This month we’ve received positive news as we work on issues at Customs, and in the courts. Two EAPA claims alleging transshipment are moving forward. Briefs in these cases will be issued in the coming weeks. The door threshold matter, which is still in the courts, is expected to hold oral arguments in Q1 2024. During that same period, we expect oral arguments in the Kingtom EAPA claims. The ball is moving in our direction, and it’s about time!
On the Aluminum 232 tariffs, we have submitted comments in the latest round of inquiries by the Department of Commerce. As ridiculous as this has gotten – the same arguments repeatedly leading only to another hearing – it does seem we have a real chance of getting our 232 aluminum extrusion tariffs re-instated. This is important as it creates a partial barrier to entry into our market that could discourage future “Belt and Road” projects by the Chinese in third countries. The comment period is ending, and we will be conducting a webinar for members in which we provide you with a letter you can customize and send to your elected officials. We will also have their contact information. If you are an AEC member register for the webinar here.
Clearly, there are several high-powered issues we are pushing to protect and save our industry from unfair and illegal trade practices. This is the foundation on which we stand. We believe in free trade, but it must be fair. It is not fair today, and we aim to fix that.
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