Aluminium industry representatives commend Commerce Department’s report on Section 232

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced the Department’s findings from the 232 investigations into the impact on national security from imports of wrought and unwrought aluminium on Feb 16, and he outlined recommendations for the president to impose tariffs or quotas on aluminium imports.

Aluminium industry representatives applauded the report and expected the president would take a final decision that will help support continued growth of the U.S. aluminium industry.

Century Aluminum Company President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Bless issued a statement today in response to the release of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Section 232 report.

“We strongly support today’s release by the Department of Commerce of the Section 232 Aluminum Report.  The report demonstrates this administration’s clear recognition that swift action is required to stop the surge of aluminium imports from destroying our industry.

He reiterated the significance of aluminium as a metal in the national security of the country.  He insisted that if no immediate relief is provided the flood of cheaper import will continue to aggravate. The company urged President Trump to act swiftly and boldly to save the American aluminium industry and promised to work together with the administration to address this situation.

The Aluminum Association is also reviewing the Commerce Department’s reports. The association has also put forward their suggestions in connection with the actions to be taken up by the president over the Commerce Department’s report.

The Association suggests the actions should address Chinese overcapacity and its effects, while considering unintended consequences for U.S. production and jobs. They also suggested that such actions should not impact current trading relationship between the U.S and critical trading partner and countries like Canada, the European Union and others that operate as market economies.

North American aluminium industry has a long-term trading relationship with Canada, which supports U.S. jobs and industry growth and is essentially a part of the nation’s defence industrial base.

The actions according to the Association must address the needs of the domestic aluminium value chain. Action must ensure the benefits of producers and fabricators of semi-finished aluminium products used in manufacturing finished products.

The Association also suggests the implementation of a strict monitoring system for aluminium imports from countries that pose a circumvention threat like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc..

“We look forward to working with the president on a final decision that helps support continued growth in the U.S. aluminum industry,” said Heidi Brock, President & CEO of the Aluminum Association.