NMMA engages trade commission on aluminum sheet imports
The National Marine Manufacturers Association recently testified before the International Trade Commission in a hearing regarding imports of Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet , a crucial issue for the recreational boating industry.
If the Trump Administration chooses, it could impose up to a 60 percent import duty on Chinese aluminum – a significant price burden on manufacturers.
John McKnight, senior vice president of government relations for NMMA, presented the Commission’s staff with the perspective of NMMA’s members at the Dec. 18 hearing and argued for the importance of diverse supply options for U.S. manufacturers.
Following the hearing, the NMMA submitted a brief to the ITC, which re-emphasized the importance of importing CAAS and the competitive pricing and significant presence of suppliers from other countries in the market.
Certain data relied upon in the brief reflect confidential business information and cannot be shared with individuals or entities that are not admitted to the agency’s administrative protective order.
According to the NMMA, the next step will be for the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate specific exporters in China, and they will request information regarding pricing and alleged subsidies to calculate a tariff that will be applied to those exports.
At the end of the DOC process, the ITC will reexamine the domestic industry. The NMMA will keep members updated as this case progresses and assist members in engaging in with the ITC during the next phase of the investigation.
Contact Nicole Vasilaros, NMMA vice president, federal and legal affairs, with questions about the Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet issue.
