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Valuation, USMCA, and Fair Trade Priorities

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 The primary focus of our government affairs work at this moment centers on the Section 232 valuation issue currently under discussion in Washington, D.C.  As highlighted during the recent Aluminum Summit and in prior AEC communications, there remains uncertainty regarding how the Administration intends to resolve this matter.

The original Executive Order that established the Section 232 aluminum tariffs made clear that the tariffs were intended to apply to the full value of the imported aluminum extrusion, not solely the value of the aluminum content within the product.  At this time, it remains unclear whether the Administration will seek to address the issue by issuing a new Executive Order or by providing additional interpretive guidance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  The AEC is actively monitoring these discussions and will update members as soon as a definitive course of action emerges.

Parallel to the valuation discussions, attention is turning toward the upcoming United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) review process.  Public hearings have been scheduled for December 3–5, 2025 in Washington, D.C., where stakeholders will have the opportunity to present comments and evidence related to the agreement’s performance and future direction.

We are closely tracking this process.  The review is expected to address critical areas including rules of origin, tariff frameworks, and the competitive  landscape throughout North America.  We will continue to evaluate the potential implications for our membership and will engage as appropriate to ensure industry priorities are reflected.

As always, the Aluminum Extruders Council remains firmly committed to its long-standing principle of advocating for Fair Trade.  The AEC remains committed to promoting a fair, transparent, and competitive aluminum extrusion market throughout North America.

We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available and encourage all members to stay engaged as these important policy matters develop.


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