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Victories and Struggles: Our Mission Persists

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 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 approaching, the AEC Board of Directors and Staff are weighing options to further enhance the AEC’s activities on trade.  While there is much to play out with the new administration, there will be opportunities for the AEC to provide a voice in potential expansion of the 232 Tariffs, USMCA renegotiation, and further protections of evasion tactics under the China I orders. 

Again, thank you to all who have given of themselves and their organizations to this important cause in protecting the U.S. industry. 

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