Alloy Sheet Imports Sparked Off Material Injuries to U.S.Producers

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that the unfairly traded imports of common alloy sheets from China have caused material injuries to U.S. producers. The unanimous decision was announced in conclusion of the investigations initiated by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) in November last year. Following the decision, the DOC is likely to impose AD duties ranging from 49.85% to 59.72% and CVD duties from 46.48% to 116.49%.

Heidi Brock, President & CEO, Aluminum Association stated that the unanimous decision by the USITC provides much-needed certainty and confidence to U.S. common alloy sheet producers. Commending the work by USITC and DOC, Brock noted that imposition of duties will foster the growth of domestic aluminum industry in the country, thereby boosting further investments in the sector, which in turn may lead to creation of more jobs.

Ass per data, China accounted for almost 40% of the total U.S. imports of common alloy aluminum sheet in 2017. The country was the single largest supplier of these products to the U.S. In between 2015 and 2017, the imports from China have surged higher by 32%. Over the past decade, the imports have skyrocketed by over 730%. It must be noted that the imports have witnessed considerable decline since Commerce Department’s preliminary determinations in April and June this year.