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The Importance of Continuing Fair Trade Enforcement

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 Fair Trade remains a key focus for the Aluminum Extruders Council, and several recent developments are worth highlighting as we begin the new year. Each of these matters reinforces the importance of continued attention to trade enforcement and policy issues affecting the extrusion industry. 

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated a scope ruling involving micro-channel heat exchangers produced in China and exported to the United States either directly from China or through Mexico. The scope inquiry will determine whether these products fall within the existing China I antidumping and countervailing duty orders on aluminum extrusions. 

The public comment period is currently open, and a preliminary determination could be issued as early as April. The Aluminum Extrusion Fair Trade Committee (AEFTC) continues to remain actively engaged, working in both an offensive and defensive posture under the China I orders. These cases remain an important tool in addressing unfairly traded aluminum extrusion products, not only those shipped directly from China, but also those routed through intermediary countries. 

Another matter we are closely monitoring is the forced labor enforcement case involving Dominican aluminum producer Kingtom Aluminio. As reported last fall, the U.S. Court of International Trade remanded a forced labor finding issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, requiring CBP to reconsider aspects of its determination. 

CBP has since reaffirmed its original forced labor finding, and the case has now returned to the Court of International Trade. Briefs are expected to be filed in January. This case highlights the growing role of forced labor enforcement in trade policy and the increasing scrutiny being applied to aluminum supply chains. 

The Administration recently announced a trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan. While official details have not yet been released, it is expected that aluminum will be treated in a manner similar to the agreements currently in place with Japan and South Korea. The AEC is closely monitoring these developments and will assess potential implications for the extrusion industry as additional information becomes available. 

Taken together, these developments underscore the continued importance of Fair Trade enforcement. The Aluminum Extruders Council remains deeply appreciative of the leadership and dedication of the Aluminum Extrusion Fair Trade Committee. Their work plays a vital role in promoting a level playing field for the aluminum extrusion industry, consistent with AEC’s long standing commitment to Fair Trade. 

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