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Fair Trade Committee Reconstitutes for 2025

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 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 (1.2 million pounds) have been granted, and 128 (106 million pounds) remain open. 

Early in December, the AEC announced that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had issued a Forced Labor Violation against Kingtom Aluminio.  With this forced labor finding, CBP has directed the seizure of Kingtom products at the ports.  Subsequently, on December 23, 2024, Kingtom filed a complaint against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP to remove the forced labor finding.  At this time, the Forced Labor Finding is still in effect, and any Kingtom material seized at the ports has entered forfeiture proceedings.  As always, we must remain vigilant in looking for signs that Kingtom is trying to evade the violation and move their goods through third-party countries. 

Our commitment to fair trade practices and proactive engagement with government bodies ensures that we continue to protect and advance the interests of the aluminum extrusion industry.  We look forward to further contributions and participation from our members in the crucial activities undertaken by the Council’s Fair Trade Committee. 


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