NMMA will participate in sheet aluminum pricing hearing
The National Marine Manufacturers Association is urging its members to contact the association if they use sheet aluminum in their boat production processes.
In late November, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the initiation of an antidumping and countervailing duty case on Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from China.
The case covers imports of aluminum sheet from China in the 3XXX-, 4XXX- and 5XXX-series alloy. Of particular concern is 5XXX-series aluminum, which is magnesium-alloy-based and is often used in marine applications due to its corrosion-resistance.
It is projected that import duties on Chinese aluminum sheet will increase at least 56.54 percent. The actual duties could be much higher when the countervailing duties (anti-subsidy) are included.
China is the largest source of foreign imports of this product, NMMA reports. The purpose of the case is not only to raise the cost of Chinese aluminum sheet, but also to raise the prices of aluminum sheet in the domestic market as a whole.
NMMA will participate in a hearing on Dec. 21 where witnesses from the domestic industry can testify about the harm they are experiencing.
The hearing also is a chance for the U.S. importers and end-users of the merchandise to testify why imports are not harming domestic production.
NMMA is forming a committee of affected members who want to be informed and involved. If you use sheet aluminum and believe you may be affected by this case, contact NMMA President Thom Dammrich.
