TRA proposes to shield UK aluminium extrusion industry from Chinese imports

On 20th May 2022, the Trade Remedies Authority, the UK body that investigates whether trade remedy measures are needed to counter unfair import practices and unforeseen surges of imports, has proposed new measures for the UK aluminium extrusion industry to be protected from Chinese dumping.

According to the TRA, these imports are dumping into the UK at unfair prices and injuring the industry. TRA's interim report, the Statement of Essential Facts, is now open for public comment. Upon considering these comments, the TRA will submit a final recommendation to the Secretary of State for International Trade, who will decide whether new trade remedies are required for these imports.

In addition to components for heavy equipment, like mining and oil and gas pipelines, and chemical and refinery equipment, aluminium extrusions are commonly used for infrastructure projects. Furthermore, they are also found in office infrastructures such as window frames, doors and railings, cars, buses, trains, air conditioners, personal watercraft, and medical equipment.

Oliver Griffiths, the CEO of TRA said, “Our interim report concludes that Chinese exports of aluminium extrusions are being dumped in the UK market at lower prices than they are being sold in China. The Secretary of State has agreed that provisional measures should be put in place while we finish the investigation. The measures will protect UK manufacturers of products used in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, building and construction, transport and car manufacture.”

The interim report stated, “Duties ranging from 7.3% to 29.1% were recommended, depending on the company and the level of dumping margin.”

Press Metal International Group, the Chinese unit of Malaysia’s Press Metal, Shandong Nanshan and Haomei Group, additionally there were categories for other co-operating and non-cooperating exporters.