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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 circumvention and the exploitation of loopholes within existing trade agreements. Specifically, we emphasized how Chinese companies continue to leverage these gaps to secure preferential treatment under USMCA for products that do not meaningfully originate within the agreement region. A central focus of our remarks was the need to strengthen the Rules of Origin to ensure that non-market economy aluminum is not transshipped into Mexico and subsequently granted USMCA benefits when entering the United States. Addressing these vulnerabilities is critical to preserving the integrity of the agreement and ensuring that its benefits accrue to legitimate North American producers.

In addition to participating in the USMCA hearing, AEC conducted meetings with several Congressional offices to further explain the rationale behind our testimony and to discuss broader issues currently affecting the aluminum extrusion industry. These discussions provided valuable opportunities to reinforce the importance of effective trade enforcement and to share current market conditions impacting producers. 

Separately, the AEC continues to anticipate additional guidance from the Administration to clarify the ongoing valuation issues related to extruded aluminum products. The Council remains actively engaged on these matters and committed to advocating for policies that support fair trade and a healthy, competitive North American aluminum extrusion industry. As we close out the year, the AEC wishes all members and partners a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.

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