Australian aluminium window industry seeks temporary duties as Chinese imports continue to rise

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Australia's window and glazing manufacturing industry is calling on the federal government to introduce temporary duties on aluminium windows and doors imported from China, arguing that imports continue to surge while a formal anti-dumping investigation remains underway.

According to the Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA), imports of Chinese aluminium windows and doors have increased by a further 30 per cent since the Anti-Dumping Commission (ADC) began investigating the products, adding to a broader trend that saw imports rise by more than two-thirds during the three years to November 2025.

The industry body says interim trade measures are needed to prevent further market disruption before the investigation reaches its final determination.

Industry urges temporary duties during anti-dumping probe

The ADC is currently conducting Investigation No. 691 into the alleged dumping and subsidisation of aluminium windows and doors imported from China following an application jointly submitted by AGWA and window manufacturer VENTORA.

The investigation examines whether imported products are being sold into Australia below their domestic market value or production cost, potentially placing local manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage.

"This is about fairness," said Clinton Skeoch, Chief Executive Officer of AGWA. "We are simply seeking a level playing field where unfairly subsidised and dumped products do not distort the market and undermine Australia's vibrant and highly competitive window manufacturing industry."

According to AGWA, delaying action until the investigation concludes could allow imports to continue increasing, placing further pressure on domestic manufacturers.

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Import growth raises concerns for downstream aluminium manufacturing

The investigation has generated more than 400 submissions from businesses, industry associations and unions, reflecting widespread concern across Australia's downstream manufacturing sector.

AGWA said the growing number of anti-dumping investigations involving finished, value-added products rather than raw materials highlights increasing pressure on domestic manufacturing capability.

The association noted that Australia's window manufacturing sector directly employs more than 9,000 people, while the wider supply chain supports over 26,000 jobs across metropolitan and regional communities.

Industry concerns have intensified following the collapse of Oceania Glass, Australia's last remaining architectural glass manufacturer, which entered liquidation after citing competition from imported products.

"The rapid rises and shifts in imports since this investigation began show how urgently we need to respond," Skeoch said. "Moving slower than other nations on anti-dumping controls means that Australian industry loses the game of musical chairs, time and time again."

AGWA links downstream manufacturing to Australia's aluminium industry

AGWA argued that protecting Australia's downstream manufacturers should form part of the country's broader aluminium industry strategy.

"You can't have a strong aluminium industry without strong Australian customers," Skeoch said. "The Government rightly recognises the strategic value of Australia's aluminium production, but that same logic should extend to the thousands of downstream manufacturers who turn that aluminium into finished products, employ 9,000 Australians, and support local communities."

The association said the products covered by the investigation include fully and partially assembled aluminium windows and doors, along with frames, panels and sashes widely used in residential and commercial construction.

Investigation continues towards final determination

The Anti-Dumping Commission is scheduled to publish its Statement of Essential Facts on September 23, 2026, with its final recommendation expected by November 25, 2026.

While the investigation continues, AGWA maintains that introducing temporary duties would provide immediate relief for domestic manufacturers facing continued growth in imported products.

"Preventing dumped and unfairly subsidised imports from distorting the market is simply common sense," Skeoch said. "If Australia is serious about maintaining sovereign manufacturing capacity and the jobs it supports, the government needs to act faster than the current process allows."

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